funny family trip movies

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70+ Funny Family Vacation & Travel Comedy Movies

Family vacation movies are hilarious because they’re relatable! Get ready to laugh with these comedy travel movies family movie night! With 74 to choose from, you can find something you all will like!

Family vacations are tried and true traditions. But who needs to go on a trip when you can watch a movie instead? The next time your family is itching for a vacation, turn on one of these fun comedy travel movies!

Everyone in the family will love the hilarious hijinks found in each of these comedy travel movies, but keep in mind some of these family vacation movies are rated PG-13 or R.

The Best Family Comedy Travel Movies

When it comes to finding fun family movies, it doesn’t get much better than a classic vacation story. From vacations gone awry to cute family connections, there are so many amazing stories that come with a family trip.

Check out these funny family travel movies to take a trip during your next movie night at home.

Robin William’s RV has to be one of the best family road trip movies! It’s about an overworked man decides to take his family on a last-minute RV trip to Colorado, hoping they won’t discover that he’s actually going there for a business meeting.

This 2-ingredient dirt cake is a great dessert to pair with this movie too!

2. Guilt Trip

Rated PG-13

After an inventor makes a quick stop at his mom’s house before heading out on a once-in-a-lifetime voyage, the vacation turns into an unexpected mother-son road trip.

This is one of my favorite travel movies because both main characters are so hilarious!

3. Hotel Transylvania

Take a trip to Hotel Transylvania, where monsters can enjoy some time away and no humans are allowed.

4. Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants

After spending summers together as kids, four friends go their separate ways for a few months, but a magical pair of pants keeps them connected during each of their trips.

Another one of our favorite movies with great views is Mamma Mia! Don’t forget to check out 17 Best Movies About Greece to Watch Tonight.

5. Toy Story 4

Before Bonnie starts kindergarten, her mom and dad take her and her favorite toys on a road trip in the family RV. But when one of the toys gets lost, it’s up to Woody and the gang to save him.

You can also grab  Free Disney Movie Coloring Pages & Printables for the Kids!

After casting a magic spell, two brothers have the chance to spend the day with their late dad. But after a mishap, they must go on a quest to find a gem to finish the spell before time runs out.

7. Diary of A Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul

Take a trip with your favorite book family – the Heffleys – as they head out on a road trip for their grandma’s 90th birthday party.

8. The Great Outdoors

This has to be one of the best, classic comedy travel movies!

When a fun-loving Chicago dad takes his family on a relaxing vacation at a lakeside resort, things take a turn for the worse when his in-laws show up unannounced.

You could also make it a big movie night outside. Here’s What You Need to Host an Outdoor Movie Night!

9. National Lampoon’s Vacation

Chevy Chase pretty much invented the best family vacation movies!

While this road trip comedy isn’t a great option for families with young children, your teens are sure to have a blast watching the Griswolds head out on a cross country comic adventure to Wally World – only the best amusement park!

10. Are We There Yet?

While dating a divorced mother, a playboy bachelor must take her kids on a comic road trip to Canada to visit her at work.

11. Home Alone 2: Lost in New York

While on a family Christmas vacation, a young boy gets accidentally left alone in New York City.

You also have to have Kevin Mcallister’s massive ice cream sundae with it!

12. College Road Trip

A teenager and her dad travel around the country looking for the perfect college for her in this family-friendly travel movie.

13. Johnson Family Vacation

A family man takes his wife and teenage children on a road trip across the country to a family reunion.

14. Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle

A group of unlikely friends must travel the jungle and complete dangerous challenges after they get sucked into a video game.

15. Spiderman Far From Home

While this is a little different pick to include in our comedy travel movies, it’s a great option for Marvel fans!

During a school trip to Europe, Peter Parker must battle a new villain and save his friends from danger.

16. The Secret Life of Walter Mitty

An ordinary man must find the courage to turn his vibrant fantasy life into reality to discover his destiny when his job at Life Magazine is going to be dissolved. 

Ben Stiller is incredible in this movie, and we really love the beautiful scenery and different areas in this movie too!

17. Journey to the Center of the Earth

Three adventurers travel to a new realm beneath the Earth’s surface, where they go on a voyage to find hidden treasure.

18. Journey 2: The Mysterious Island

The sequel to Journey to the Center of the Earth finds a teen and his stepfather on an epic adventure to find a lost island.

Moana must set sail on an adventure to save her people from the mighty demigod Maui. 

We also have Moana-themed recipes and activities for a family movie night you may like!

20. Alvin and the Chipmunks Road Chip  

Alvin, Simon, and Theodore hit the road to Miami to save their family, all while singing and dancing along the way.

21. Paddington

During a trip to London, a talking bear must avoid a museum taxidermist and becomes a member of the family.

22. National Treasure

On a hunt for the Nights Templar treasure, a historian works his way through historical monuments around the country to uncover clues.

23. Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey

When a group of pets’ owners leave and never return, the friends must work together to travel across the country to find them.

24. Jungle Cruise

While on the hunt for an ancient tree with healing abilities, a doctor joins forces with a boat captain to battle supernatural forces and dangerous enemies.

25. Cheaper by the Dozen 2

After they go on a family trip to a remote resort, this family of 12 must pit themselves against another family to see who can have the best vacation.

Each of one of these great travel movies can transport you to another place and most of them are also funny!

During a visit to an out-of-the-way beach, a family begins to rapidly age. They must work together to find a way out if they ever hope to return home.

27. Murder Mystery

A New York cop and his wife take a European vacation to rekindle their marriage and soon find themselves in the middle of a murder plot in this travel comedy.

28. The Addams Family 2

After noticing just how much their children have grown up, Gomez and Morticia pack the entire family into their haunted camper to take a trip they’ll never forget.

29. A Goofy Movie

When Goofy plans a fishing trip for him and his son, he hopes for some father-son bonding time. But things quickly go awry, resulting in a goofy cross-country adventure.

30. It Takes 2

While on vacation at summer camp, an orphaned tomboy and wealthy heiress meet and discover they’re twins who were separated at birth. The two quickly devise a plan to bring their single parents together so they can be sisters again.

31. Roman Holiday

Exhausted from her overwhelming schedule, a European princess takes off on an adventure through Rome on her own. After falling asleep on a park bench, she’s rescued by an American reporter hoping to cash in on a big story. But after enjoying the city together, the pair find love instead.

32. The Parent Trap (1998)

After growing up on separate coasts, a pair of twins meet for the first time during a trip to summer camp. While together, they devise a plan to reunite their parents so they can be a family again.

33. Unchartered

A seasoned treasure hunter teams up with a street-smart teen to uncover the location of a lost city of gold. The pair must work together to decipher a set of clues before another more ruthless treasure hunter can get his hands on the treasure.

A mermaid boy discovers he has legs when he reaches land, sparking an epic journey above the water filled with pasta, boat races, and friendship.

35. Finding Nemo

After a young clownfish is captured in the Great Barrier Reef and transported to an aquarium in a dentist’s office, it’s up to his cautious father and forgetful friend to save him.

36. Finding Dory

Forgetful fish Dory is living happily in the reef with her friend Nemo when she suddenly remembers a family she left behind. The memories spark a journey across the ocean to find the fish’s lost family.

37. The Muppet Movie

Kermit the Frog decides to take a chance on Hollywood and packs up his belongings to go on a cross-country road trip to California. Along the way he meets his Muppet friends, Fozzie Bear, Miss Piggy, Gonzo, and others.

A retired balloon salesman decides to leave his old life behind by attaching hundreds of balloons to his home. When the house takes flight, he finds he has a stowaway – a young Wilderness Explorer and his dog. 

39. Madagascar

A group of zoo animals, including a lion, giraffe, hippo, and zebra, grow tired of living life in captivity. After devising a plan, the group make their escape from the zoo to explore the real world. But they get more than they bargain for when they wind up in the jungle.

40. The Croods

When their cave home is destroyed, a prehistoric family must set out on a journey together to find a new home and avoid extinction.

41. Mr. Bean’s Holiday

When he wins a trip to France, Mr. Bean faces a series of misunderstandings that leads him to accidentally separate a boy from his father. The two must work together to reunite the family.

While on his way to his next big race, race car Lightning McQueen takes a detour and gets stranded in a roadside town off the beaten path. With the help of his new friends, he gets back on the road and learns that sometimes it’s better to slow down and enjoy the ride.

43. The Loud House Movie

When the Louds discover they have family living in Scotland, the large family unit takes a trip across the ocean to learn more about their heritage. The group soon finds out they’re descendants of royalty, making them wonder whether they want to leave their old life behind.

44. Little Miss Sunshine

A dysfunctional family hits the road in their run-down VW van to get their daughter to California to take part in the Little Miss Sunshine Contest. 

45. Finding Ohana

When a pair of Brooklyn siblings take a summer trip to Oahu, they uncover a journal leading them to a long-lost treasure. The ensuing adventure helps them connect with new friends and their Hawaiian heritage while in pursuit of the gold.

46. The Way Way Back

When an awkward teen is forced to spend his summer on a beach vacation with his mom and her boyfriend, he immediately looks for a way out. After scoring a job at a nearby water park, he finds the family he’s been searching for.

47. We’re the Millers

This hilarious film is one that earns it’s R rating, but it’s definitely a great family vacation movie.

After attempting to help a teen, a small-time drug dealer is robbed of his stash and his cash. To pay back his supplier, he agrees to transport the latest shipment of pot across the Mexican border. He enlists the help of his neighbor and two wayward teens to act as a family on vacation in order to safely make the deal in this teen-friendly comedy.

48. What About Bob

Right before heading out on his family vacation, a psychiatrist takes on a new patient suffering from paralyzing neediness and phobias. After his appointment, the patient follows his new doctor to the family’s country house and invites himself on their trip, annoying the doctor and charming the rest of the family in the process.

49. Weekend at Bernie’s

Two salesmen are invited to spend a weekend at their boss’s beach house. But when they arrive, they soon discover they’re the fall guys for a fraud plan gone wrong, resulting in their boss’s death. Instead of reporting the murder, the pair decide to make the most of their weekend and enjoy their time at the beach with their dead boss in tow.

50. Strange World

A family of explorers find themselves in an uncharted land filled with strange creatures. In order to survive, they must work together with their rag-tag team, including a three-legged dog and a mischievous blob.

51. Ticket to Paradise

A divorced couple take a trip to Bali to celebrate their daughter’s wedding. But as they work together to sabotage the nuptials and stop their daughter from making the same mistake they did, the couple starts to rekindle old feelings for each other.

52. Frozen II

Sisters Ana and Elsa must travel together with their sidekicks Sven and Olaf to the enchanted forest to uncover hidden family secrets that could save their beloved Arrendelle.

53. Gulliver’s Travels

While on assignment in the Bermuda Triangle, a newspaper mailroom clerk is transported to a magical land filled with tiny people. The island people use his large size to their advantage to defeat their enemy and save their land.

54. The Wizard of Oz

After a tornado rips through her Kansas home, Dorothy is transported on a trip to a magical land. In order to make her way back home, she must work with her new friends to find the wizard and escape the wicked witch.

55. The Lizzie McGuire Movie

LIzzie McGuire enjoys a class trip to Rome over summer break where she meets an Italian singer that looks and acts just like her. Lizzie agrees to step in for the musical sensation at her next concert, but when things go awry, she must rely on her own talents to keep the show going. 

56. Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark

In a race against the Nazis, an adventurous archeologist seeks out an ancient religious relic. He must travel across dangerous terrain and battle countless foes to keep the Ark out of the wrong hands.

57. Into the Wild

After graduating from college, a young man gives all his money to charity, rids himself of his possessions, and hitchhikes to the Alaskan wilderness in this coming of age story.

58. The Beach

Hoping to disconnect from the stresses of the modern world, a young American backpacker travels to Thailand looking for an adventure. When he’s given a map to a mysterious secluded beach, he jumps at the chance to enjoy life off the grid in what he believes is an island paradise.

An Army Ranger and a service dog named Lulu take a road trip down the Pacific coast in hopes of making it to a fellow soldier’s funeral on time. After driving him crazy most of the trip, the soldier soon begins to bond with his fury companion.

60. Chasing Liberty

While on a trip to Prague, the daughter of the President of the United States eludes her Secret Service detail. While out and about in the city, she meets a handsome boy who whisks her away on a tour of Europe.

61. The Fundamentals of Caring

A disabled teen sets out on a road trip with her caregiver where they bond over shared tragedy while searching for unique landmarks along the way.

62. Night at the Museum Secret of the Tomb

After learning that his museum friends have been shipped to the Smithsonian Institution, a former museum security guard is forced to take a trip abroad to protect his historic pals from four of history’s greatest villains who have come to life to take over the museum.

63. The Bucket List

Two terminally ill men decide to leave their hospital room against doctor’s wishes in order to embark on a trip to check everything off their bucket list before their time is up.

Best Family Vacation Movies

If you’re looking for more family vacation movies or just funny movies about traveling, we have you covered!

The best part? Most of these comedy travel movies are on Amazon Prime so that you can stream them easily! 

64. Blended

After a disastrous blind date, a divorced mom and widowed dad find themselves at the same South African resort with their families. When both families are forced to share the same suite, the two start to develop an undeniable connection.

65. Just Go With It

A plastic surgeon devises a plan to pretend to be married in order to enjoy commitment-free relationships. But after meeting his dream girl at a party, he enlists his assistant to act as his soon-to-be-ex to show her he’s available.

66. Dirty Dancing

While on a summer trip to the Catskills with her parents, a young woman falls in love with her rebellious dance instructor.

67. National Lampoon’s European Vacation

When he wins an all expenses paid European vacation on a game show, Clark Griswold packs up his family and heads overseas. But the family encounters one mishap after another as they travel through England, Germany, and Italy.

68. National Lampoon’s Vegas Vacation

The Griswold family is off on another trip – this time to Las Vegas. But when the family vacation turns into one mishap after another, the group decides to go their separate ways and enjoy Vegas on their own. Trouble quickly ensues and the Griswolds must come together as a family to make it out of Vegas on top.

69. Captain Ron

After learning he has inherited a yacht, a mild mannered dad brings his family to the Caribbean for a beach vacation. When they arrive, they discover the yacht is in bad shape and hire free-spirited Captain Ron to sail the family back to Miami on the ship.

70. Mad Families

Three families from very different backgrounds are forced to share the same campsite over Fourth of July weekend in this vacation comedy.

71. Grown Ups

When their former basketball coach dies, a group of childhood friends reunite at a 4th of July celebration to remember their coach and reminisce about the fun they had as kids.

72. The Mitchells vs. the Machines

A family’s road trip vacation gets interrupted when electronic devices around the world take on a life of their own. With the help of two friendly robots, the family is forced to fight against the evil devices to save themselves and save the world.

73. Mr. Hobbs Takes a Vacation

Mr. Hobbs dreams of a trip to the beach alone with his wife. But when his wife insists on a family trip to a beach house he grudgingly agrees. The entire family comes together at a run-down cottage, bringing all their problems along with them. In order to enjoy his trip, Hobbs must help each family member overcome their issues one by one.

74. Summer Rental

After losing a plane, a stressed-out air traffic controller is forced to take a break from work. So, he books a week at a plush resort for his family. They soon find out their resort leaves a lot to be desired, and the trip only goes downhill from there.

We hope this list of best vacation and comedy travel movies helped you find something to watch with your best friend or family members!

If you love these comedy travel movies, you may also like:

• 25 Fun Family Movie Night Dinner Ideas
• 195+ Best Family Movie Night Ideas to Watch With Your Kids
• 25 Best Comedy Movies for Tweens (10-14 Year Olds Approved)
• 50 Movies to Watch With Your Dad

Love Disney? Check out  35+ Easy Disney Movie Night Dinner & Dessert Ideas.

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The 35 best funny family movies for your next comedy film night

Order the pizza. Pop the popcorn. Movie night just got a whole lot funnier

Too often, the phrase ‘family movie’ is thought of as a euphemism for ‘a movie for kids’, and ‘family comedy’ as the sort of movie filled with pratfalls, fart jokes and groan-inducing punchlines. And, hey, there’s nothing wrong with a good fart joke. But the truth is that ‘family comedy’ doesn’t have to mean juvenile.

As you’ll see, these 35 flicks are funny for the whole family, with gags guaranteed to crack up every demographic on the couch, from the wee ones to the oldies to the surly teenagers. Sure, the laughs may not be ‘sophisticated’ exactly, but if they get everyone giggling in unison, well, is there any bonding experience than that?

Written by Hannah Doolin, Danielle Valente, Alim Kheraj, Oliver Strand, Andy Kryza & Matthew Singer

Recommended:

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Best funny family movies

1.  Paddington (2014 + 2017)

Want to start a debate? Ask which is funnier, Paddington or Paddington 2 . Paddington has the bathtub scene and the deliciously evil taxidermist Millicent Clyde (Nicole Kidman), while Paddington 2 has the pink prisoner uniforms and the song-and-dance numbers by Phoenix Buchanan (Hugh Grant). Point is, the Paddington series is hilarious. As important, these films are good-natured, and feature important lessons about kindness and friendship.  Rated PG.

2.  Monsters, Inc. (2001)

This Disney Pixar film is a new classic. It tells the story of monsters Sully (John Goodman) and Mike (Billy Crystal), who work together at Monsters, Inc., a power company fueled by the screams of human children collected by monsters who go into the human world to scare them. When a haunting fail brings a small child into their world, they must work together to make things hilariously right.  Rated G.  

3.  The Mitchells vs the Machines (2021)

From Phil Lord and Chris Miller, the creative brains behind Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse , comes a madly eccentric and wildly inventive animated movie, merging the now familiar fractured family head out on a restorative road trip trope with an unexpected robot apocalypse. Featuring, among other things, a ginormous mutant Furby and Olivia Colman as an A.I. with evil plans, it also contains an astute social commentary about the often adverse effects of technology on our lives, delivered in a way that any screen-hungry little ones might actually listen to.  Rated PG .

4.  The Muppets (2011)

By the 2010s, the Muppets – those daffy felt creatures first created by Jim Henson in the ’70s – were beloved pop-culture evergreens, but it had been at least a decade since they’d been considered cool. Enter Jason Segel. The avowed Muppet-lover brought the franchise back to relevancy with this pitch-perfect revival, and he did so without changing anything about what made Kermit and the gang so universally beloved. The plot is knowingly standard – an oil tycoon (Chris Cooper) wants to tear down the old Muppet Theatre, forcing the gang to put on a benefit show in an attempt to save it – but the hysterical musical numbers, showbiz-skewering jokes and heartfelt moments make it a glorious comeback the whole family will love.  Rated PG

5.  Zootopia (2016)

This animated adventure takes the idea of talking animals somewhere fresh by giving us a distinctly human world, with cities, streets and ice cream parlors populated by almost every mammal you can think of. It tells the story of  Judy Hopps (Ginnifer Goodwin), a do-gooder who's the first bunny to join the police—and who finds herself needing the help of Nick Wilde (Jason Bateman), a con artist fox. You know how it's going to end—it is a Disney film, after all—but the journey is delightful, especially  a brilliant comic slow burn with a  very leisurely  bureaucratic sloth. Rated PG.

6.  Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure (1985)

It’s maybe only the second best movie about a stolen bike , but, then, Vittorio De Sica never thought to have his protagonist dance on a bar to ward off an angry biker gang. Paul Reubens had been doing his lovable manchild act on stage since the ’70s, but his feature film debut turned him into a pop-culture icon and introduced director Tim Burton as one of Hollywood’s most imaginative filmmakers. It remains a wild, wacky, winking romp today – just be prepared for the kids not to sleep for a few days after encountering Large Marge. Rated PG.

7.  Jumanji (1995)

The best entry-level introduction to the manic live-action wonders of Robin Williams (sorry… Hook isn’t as good as you remember), Jumanji doubles as a raucous special-effects bonanza with light scares and a whole lot of kid-friendly adventure. Sure, it’s become a bit dated, but it still stands up as a perfect Saturday matinee yarn… or a double feature with the Dwayne Johnson-starring reboot . Rated PG.

8.  Finding Nemo (2003)

Debates rage – ever so politely – over which modern Pixar classic is the best of the bunch, and while the argument usually ends up a dozen-way tie for first, Finding Nemo may edge out the competition by a fin. When a rebellious clownfish swims away from the safety of their coral reef, his anxious widowed father must face his biggest fears and venture across the ocean to find him. It’s a lesson that children should probably heed their parents’ warnings about the world… and that parents can learn a thing or two from their kids as well. Rated PG.

9.  Wreck It Ralph (2012 + 2018)

There's an arcade game character, Ralph, who's grown tired of his bad-guy persona. He embarks on a quest to prove that he can be nice, but trouble follows. In the sequel, which hit theaters in 2018, Ralph and his friend take on the World Wide Web in order to save his buddy's video game. Rated PG.

10.  Home Alone (1990)

Left behind in the chaos of a family trip, young Kevin McCallister (Macaulay Culkin) gets the run of his giant suburban Chicago home and indulges in the ultimate little-kid wish fulfillment: eating massive bowls of ice cream; jumping on his parents’ bed; rifling through his teenage brother’s stuff; and beating the crud out of some robbers. (A physiologically accurate version of Home Alone would be the goriest movie ever made. As is, the violence is basically live-action Tom & Jerry .) Written by John Hughes, the silly premise comes with a warm message about the importance of family - and of not forgetting how many children you have when leaving on vacation, no matter how late for the airport you are.  Rated PG

11.  The Incredibles (2004 + 2018)

This super crime-fighting family has won the hearts of children and adults alike as it takes on evil. The 2018 film, The Incredibles 2 , takes a page from Wonder Woman's book, as Elastigirl is off fighting crime while her hubby, Mr. Incredible, is home with the kiddos. But when the crew needs to take down another nefarious plan, they'll just have to make it work. Rated PG. 

12.  Despicable Me (2010)

Steve Carell  is the voice of Gru, a suburban supervillain whose seemingly innocuous home sits above a vast underground lair populated by hordes of yellow gibberish-speaking minions. Gru is prone to freeze-raying passers-by and plots to steal the moon, but when he adopts three adorable tow-headed orphan girls it’s not long before their plucky charm and winning optimism begin to melt his cold, cold heart. Rated PG.

13.  The Goonies (1985)

Goonies never say die ( unless it's regarding a sequel ), and you'll never believe where determination gets these crazy kids. In the beloved 80s flick, a group of boys must face the music: Their homes are being taken from them, and in turn, they'll be separated. However, one precocious and relentless member of the crew is determined to find One-Eyed Willy's treasure to save their homes. Things seem somewhat plausible...until the Fratelli's get on their case. Will the kids come out of their quest successful, and more importantly, alive? Obviously. But it's a joy to see  how they do it.  Rated PG. 

14.  Toy Story (1995-2019)

At this point, Woody, Buzz and the other inhabitants of Andy’s (and now Bonnie’s) toybox are like the Muppets: characters we’ve lived with so long that we’ll always be happy to see them, even if the movies begin to grow increasingly superfluous. The emphasis there is on ‘if’, because through four films, with a fifth on the way, the series has yet to produce anything less than delightful. The original – Pixar’s debut feature – is still a marvel, even if the then-newfangled computer animation looks a bit archaic today, while the first and second sequels tap funny bones and tug heartstrings with equal strength. And yeah, the fourth instalment is comparatively light, but it still has Forky, a miniature Frankenstein of googly eyes, pipe cleaners and an old spork, whose existential crisis is given voice by the hilarious Tony Hale. Rated PG.

15.  Inside Out (2015)

This Pixar-animated film cleverly shows us when feelings (literally) come alive through Riley, an 11-year-old girl who has some trouble adjusting to her new environs when her parents uproot her from Minnesota and move to San Fransisco. There couldn't be better actors than Amy Poehler, Bill Hader, Mindy Kaling and Lewis Black to embody those niggling feelings better kept inside.  Rated PG.  

16.  The Willoughbys (2020)

Netflix’s underseen original takes the tried-and-true orphaned-children narrative and bends it to deranged, delightful ends. With a stacked voice cast led by Will Forte, Maya Rudolph and Martin Short, The Willoughbys flirts with going too dark—this is, after all, a tale of child abandonment—but just when things get dire, a baby vomits a full-spectrum rainbow to brighten things up. Like we said, it’s delightfully deranged. Rated PG.

17.  Labyrinth (1986)

Jim Henson’s surreal vision of goblins and fart-infested bogs has achieved cult status thanks to the central performance by a glammed-out David Bowie, but the film is so much more than the Thin White Duke and his very tight pants. It’s a wildly imaginative pre-teen fairytale with some of the most spectacular puppets ever created, kicked into overdrive by some solid Bowie songs, chief of them the immortal “Magic Dance.” And though it's not a full-bore comedy, the laughs are still plentiful.  Rated PG.

18.  The Princess Bride (1987)

Could Rob Reiner's simultaneous send-up and celebration of fairy tales have better captured the imagination of all who live for the phrase "Once upon a time..."? In-con-ceiv-able, we say! You won't find a sweeter love letter to the glories of cross-generational storytelling.  Rated PG.

19.  Shrek (2001)

While kids' movies were making pop-cultural references before this DreamWorks toon came out, none of them were quite as savvy as this ogre's tale in dismantling legendary bedtime stories—and in a way that kids would find both clever and funny. It's like a collegiate Postmodernism 101 course, only aimed at elementary-school students and with better fart jokes.  Rated PG.

20.  Babe (1995)

Setting aside the wonder of the special effect–and the difficulty of making an entire farmyard of real animals talk–this is a warm and funny story that checks all the family film boxes: Silly and slapsticky for the kids, clever and cute for the grown-ups. The story is the same as when you saw it the first time (kind-hearted Babe the pig is better at herding sheep than barking dogs), but the joy you feel when you watch the film might surprise you. Rated G.

21.  Chicken Run (2000)

Britain's Aardman Animations has always had a sly sense of anthropomorphist humor (see their sensational Wallace and Gromit shorts), so it's no surprise that the company's parody of The Great Escape —this time, the POWs are chickens breaking out of a farm—is hilarious. What is shocking is how what could have been a one-joke comedy becomes, in Aardman's deft clay-molding hands, something moving and absolutely poult-errific.  Rated G.

22.  The LEGO Movie (2014 + 2019)

Berserk and strangely beautiful, The LEGO Movie  is sheer joy: The script is witty, the satire surprisingly pointed, and the animation tactile and imaginative. Our hero Emmet (Chris Pratt), is the happiest guy in Bricksville, a construction worker who adores his coworkers, and knows that mighty President Business (Will Ferrell) has his best interests at heart. He’s thrown into an epic conflict between Business’s robot clones and the forces of creativity and invention—led, of course, by Batman and Abraham Lincoln. The 2019 sequel is just as wild, with Emmet setting out rescue his friends from the Systar System while facing down “Armamageddon.” Your little one will want to watch both the original and the sequel.  Rated PG

23.  Yes Day (2021)

Netflix’s Yes Day is essentially a tweenage fantasy come true – desperate to be seen as cool, parents Jennifer Garner and Édgar Ramirez agree to a day without the word ‘no,’ much to their tween children’s delight. It’s a tad hokey and the plot never completely commits to its lunatic potential, but Garner hasn’t seemed this happy on screen since 13 Going on 30 . It’s good, clean (well, actually pretty messy) fun. Rated PG.  

24.  13 Going on 30 (2004)

Speaking of Jennifer Garner, the star was never better than in this gender-flipped riff on Big , in which a teenage girl’s consciousness is transported to her adult body in the future, revealing that the grown-up world isn’t as alluring as she hoped. Until, of course, she discovers that the awkward kid she friend-zoned in junior high grew up to be Mark Ruffalo. Rated PG-13. 

25.  Big (1988)

Tom Hanks’s breakout role as a kid trapped in an adult body is still one of the actor’s very best films, a master-class in awkward ticks, vulnerability and physical comedy that makes you wish America’s Dad would stop being so somber and revert to comedy. Big is a top-tier ‘80s fantasy comedy, even if the romantic subplot gives off some creepy vibes in hindsight.  Rated PG.

26.  Encanto (2021)

We don’t talk about Bruno, but good god we sure do sing about him. Don’t let the oversaturation of the Lin-Manuel Miranda-penned soundtrack sour you, though: Encanto is a modern Disney insta-classic. Feeling like an outcast in a family where everyone has magical powers except her, 15-year-old Mirabel (Stephanie Beatriz) leaves her home in the Colombian mountains to figure out where she fits in. Enchantingly animated, it’ll cast a spell on every generation in your own household - and the music really is great for at least the first 750 times you hear it.  Rated PG.

27.  Mouse Hunt (1997)

Before he set sail with the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, Gore Verbinski crafted a feature-length tribute to Rube Goldberg devices in telling this old-fashioned tale of two brothers seeking to rid a rickety old mansion of one particularly pesky mouse. Basically a live-action Looney Tunes cartoon by way of Home Alone , Mouse Hunt often feels like the best film Tim Burton never made, a madcap slapstick romp that isn’t afraid to dip its toes into black comedy. Rated PG .

28.  The Addams Family (1991)

With the animated reboot unleashing a sequel this fall, now is the perfect time to revisit the good-hearted live-action incarnation of Charles Addams’ macabre creation. The film that defined a generation of mall goths remains a front-to-back joy, and buried beneath all the cobwebs are lessons about how even the ookiest, kookiest among us can be kindhearted and full of love. 

29.  Enchanted (2007)

A modern-day twist on classic fairytales, Enchanted begins in conventional, animated Disney territory, with Giselle being courted by Edward, her Prince Charming. His witchy mother banishes Giselle to 21st century New York City, where the film flits from animation to live-action just as Giselle (now Amy Adams), emerges from a manhole into a world of bustling humanity. As lawyer Robert Philip (Patrick Dempsey) begins to fall for her, Edward appears (in the guise of James Mardsen) and Giselle is left facing a typically predictable rom-com dilemma. Rated PG.

30.  Ella Enchanted (2004)

Ella Enchanted (2004) Before she was an Oscar-winning capital-A Actress, Anne Hathaway was the queen of 21st century princess flicks. And watching Hathaway only slightly removed from her theater-kid roots is a riot. In this retelling of the children's book, Ella must attempt to break the spell where she's forced to obey all orders bestowed onto her. Fortunately, the handsome Prince Charmont – played by Hugh Dancy – is by her side to lend a hand. Rated PG. 

31.  The Parent Trap (1998)

You know the drill – twin girls, separated at birth, reunite and switch places in an effort to get their parents back together under one roof. Most couples therapists will assure you this is a terrible idea. This remake of the 1961 Haley Mills classic updates the story to the ‘90s, with then-rising-star Lindsay Lohan pulling double duty and offering justification for being the biggest tween star of her era. Rated PG. 

32.  Honey, I Shrunk the Kids (1989)

Growing up is hard, but growing down is worse. In this sci-fi comic adventure, the title pretty much says it all: a failed scientist (Rick Moranis) invents a device that can drastically alter the size of objects and ends up accidentally shrinking his children and their neighbour friends to a speck. When they get thrown out with the trash, the kids must venture through their treacherous backyard, fending off giant ants, traversing massive mud puddles and swimming through bowls of cereal to get back home. The ensuing sequels stretched the concept a tad far – we’ll see about the upcoming reboot – but the original is wildly imaginative fun.   Rated PG.

33.  Kung Fu Panda (2008–2016)

The trio of films garners a lot of attention for its ironic main character—the super-lazy, clumsy and out-of-shape Po, a panda bear who secretly wants to be a master of kung fu. Rated PG.

34.  The Sandlot (1993)

During the summer of 1962, a spotty crew of dead-end kids throw a baseball around at the neighborhood diamond. The new kid in town, Scotty Smalls, is accepted simply as a gofer, but the gang's leader, Rodriguez, takes him under his wing. The quirky crew gets into plenty of mischief outside of batting practice, and they'll have to put their heads together to get a prized baseball back from a snarling neighbor.  Rated PG.

35.  School of Rock (2003)

Jack Black cranks the ham levels to 11 as Dewey Finn, aka ‘Mr Schneebly,’ a struggling musician who cons his way into a teaching gig and helps a group of band nerds – and the school’s buttoned-down principal – unleash their inner rock stars. Even if Jack Black doing Jack Black things typically makes you grind your teeth, only the most hardcore party-pooper couldn’t find some level of joy in his authentic interactions with the young cast. Rated PG–13.

See what's new for kids on Netflix

The best family movies on Netflix for all ages

Consider this your ultimate guide to family movies on Netflix! We're here to tell you what's coming and going on your favorite on demand movie service every month, so check in regularly to get the scoop. 

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25 Essential Road Trip Movies of the Last 25 Years

We’re looking down the horizon and beyond for some of the best road trip movies that defined the genre over the last 25 years! To rev up this list, we selected American movies movies, journeys that begin in the States (where they actually finish is part of the fun). The movies celebrate the sights and sounds of the country, or at least will inspire you to pull out that camping gear, putting the convertible top down, and hitting the open road. These rides can be cross-county ( Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle ), on the freeway ( Dog , Sideways ), trekking across a few state lines ( Little Miss Sunshine , Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas ), hitting a new time zone ( Road Trip ), or even runnin’ coast-to-coast ( Rat Race , Transamerica ). Even the Academy has felt the need for reasonable speed, awarding Best Picture to both Green Book and Nomadland . Carpool lane? Of course: we’ve got an Oscar strapped in the passenger seat!

So whether you’re looking for a map to a long summer drive or fixing a flat in your life, turn to these essential 25 road trip movies of the last 25 years (in chronological order)!

Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas (1998) 50%

The Straight Story (1999) 94%

Tumbleweeds (1999) 82%

Almost Famous (2000) 91%

Road Trip (2000) 57%

Rat Race (2001) 45%

Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle (2004) 75%

Sideways (2004) 97%

Transamerica (2005) 77%

Little Miss Sunshine (2006) 91%

Cars (2006) 75%

Zombieland (2009) 89%

Away We Go (2009) 67%

Paul (2011) 70%

We're the Millers (2013) 48%

Chef (2014) 87%

Grandma (2015) 91%

Mississippi Grind (2015) 91%

Pee-wee's Big Holiday (2016) 83%

Green Book (2018) 77%

Nomadland (2020) 93%

The Mitchells vs. the Machines (2021) 97%

Bad Trip (2021) 79%

Dog (2022) 77%

Joy Ride (2023) 90%

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50 Best Family Road Trip Movies for All Ages (2024)

Sharing is caring!

Looking for some new family road trip movies for your next movie marathon? You’ve come to the right place!

I made this before and during my family’s epic road trip from Las Vegas, Nevada to the southern tip of Argentina. We’ve watched lots family road trip movies over the last few years driving across two continents!

And I couldn’t help but share our exhaustive list with you, in case you need some family road trip inspiration.

Here’s a curated list of family-friendly movies that revolve around the theme of road trips, offering a perfect blend of humor, adventure, and heartwarming family moments.

Each family trip movie brings its unique selling point, delivering a positive message and embodying important values.

Get the popcorn ready and enjoy these cinematic journeys! 🍿🍿

My Top 3 Picks: Family Road Trip Movies

There are a lot of good movies on this list. They all deserve a watch at some point. But if you’re looking for a quick pick option, here are my three favorite family road trip movies to watch tonight!

✅ Parental nostalgia

✅ Good themes

✅ Unforgettable characters

✅ Captivating stories

✅ Memorable characters

✅ Beautiful animation

National Lampoon’s Vacation

✅ Relatable characters

✅ Heartwarming family dynamics

✅ Parental Nostalgia

👉 Some videos on this list are available for free with an Amazon Prime Video account!

Classic Family Road Trip Movies (Pre-1985)

1. the wizard of oz (1939).

🍿 Rating: G | ⏰ Length: 1h41m | 👍 IMDB Grade: 8.1/10 | Watch Now!

Follow Dorothy and her companions as they travel down the yellow brick road in search of the magical Wizard of Oz. I love the wholesome themes in this movie! Along the way, they make friends, face obstacles, and learn valuable lessons.

The Wizard of Oz showcases the transformative nature of a road trip, as it allows Dorothy to discover her strength and helps her realize that home is truly where the heart is.

From the enchanting landscapes to the vibrant characters, this classic film captures the essence of adventure and self-discovery that can be found on the open road. It’s been one of my favorites since I was a kid.

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2. Swiss Family Robinson (1960)

🍿 Rating: G | ⏰ Length: 2 hr 6 m | 👍 IMDB Grade: 8.4/10 | Watch Now!

Embark on an exciting journey with the Robinson family as they navigate life on a deserted island after a shipwreck in the captivating movie, Swiss Family Robinson.

This timeless classic combines adventure, heartwarming storytelling, and valuable life lessons. It was one of my favorite movies as a kid!

From building a remarkable treehouse to exploring the island’s wonders, the Robinsons’ thrilling experience will captivate both kids and adults.

With themes of unity, resilience, and teamwork, Swiss Family Robinson inspires problem-solving and a love for nature. It’s the perfect source of inspiration for unforgettable family trips and adventures .

3. The Sound of Music (1965)

🍿 Rating: G | ⏰ Length: 2h54m | 👍 IMDB Grade: 8.1/10 | Buy Now!

Join the Von Trapp family as they escape Austria during World War II, finding joy through music. While you can also watch the remake with Carrie Underwood, I prefer the Julie Andrews original.

Yes, they walk instead of driving. At least part of the time. But for a good reason! This beloved classic offers enchanting entertainment for all ages and celebrates family values and the power of love.

It’s not just entertaining, but also educational, providing insights into Austria’s history and culture. With its timeless appeal, The Sound of Music creates a special generational and adds a nostalgic touch to your family experience.

4. American Graffiti (1973)

🍿 Rating: PG | ⏰ Length: 1h50m | 👍 IMDB Grade: 7.4/10 | Watch Now!

American Graffiti is a captivating family film set in the early 1960s. It takes us on a thrilling journey with a group of teenagers during an unforgettable summer night. I think this one is best suited for families with teens.

With its nostalgic charm, relatable characters, unforgettable soundtrack, and valuable life lessons, it’s an ideal pick for a family movie night.

Rated PG, this coming-of-age tale is suitable for the whole family to enjoy. So grab your popcorn and embark on a cinematic road trip with American Graffiti!

5. Smokey and the Bandit (1977)

🍿 Rating: PG | ⏰ Length: 1h36m | 👍 IMDB Grade: 7.0/10 | Watch Now!

This action comedy follows a truck driver who agrees to transport illegal beer across state lines. I watched this one with my grandpa when I was a kid!

This American action-comedy is a classic road trip film that captures the essence of adventure and camaraderie.

The movie follows the thrilling adventures of Bo “Bandit” Darville and his loyal sidekick Cledus “Snowman” Snow as they embark on a daring cross-country journey through the southern United States.

With laughs and adventures for the whole family, it continues to resonate with audiences of all ages, making it a timeless choice for a movie night.

6. The Muppet Movie (1979)

🍿 Rating: G | ⏰ Length: 1h35m | 👍 IMDB Grade: 7.6/10 | Watch Now!

The Muppet Movie is a beloved family-friendly road trip film that captivates audiences of all ages.

With its infectious humor, catchy songs, and lovable Muppet characters, this 1979 musical comedy offers wholesome entertainment for the whole family.

Join Kermit and his friends on a quirky cross-country journey filled with hilarious mishaps, unexpected encounters, and heartwarming moments.

This timeless gem weaves in positive themes of friendship, following your dreams, and embracing diversity, making it a must-watch for memorable family movie nights.

7. The Blues Brothers (1980)

🍿 Rating: R | ⏰ Length: 2h13m | 👍 IMDB Grade: 7.9/10 | Watch Now!

The Blues Brothers, directed by John Landis and released in 1980, is widely regarded as one of the greatest road trip movies of all time. I have a soft spot for it because it was filmed in our hometown, Chicago !

The Blues Brothers is an action-packed comedy that combines car chases, comical shootouts, and unforgettable musical performances.

With lovable characters, positive themes, and family-friendly content, it’s a great choice for families. The film’s iconic music and cultural impact add to its timeless appeal.

8. The Cannonball Run (1981)

🍿 Rating: PG | ⏰ Length: 1h35m | 👍 IMDB Grade: 6.2/10 | Buy Now!

The Cannonball Run is a comedic film about a trans-American road race with eccentric characters competing for victory.

It entertains families, featuring a star-studded cast and humorous situations. The fast-paced adventure may captivate younger viewers who enjoy action and adventure.

The film carries a nostalgic appeal for older audiences and is rated PG, so I think it’s better suited for older kids.

9. National Lampoon’s Vacation (1983)

🍿 Rating: R | ⏰ Length: 1h38m | 👍 IMDB Grade: 7.3/10 | Watch Now!

National Lampoon’s Vacation (1983) is a timeless family road trip movie that combines humor, relatable family dynamics, and iconic performances.

It’s one of David’s all-time favorite movies!

The summer vacation movie follows the Griswold family on their cross-country journey to Walley World, encountering comedic mishaps and fostering moments of laughter and connection.

With its memorable quotes and enduring appeal, it remains a beloved classic that can be enjoyed by multiple generations.

10. Paris, Texas (1984)

🍿 Rating: R | ⏰ Length: 2h35m | 👍 IMDB Grade: 8.1/10 | Watch Now!

Paris, Texas is a unique road trip film directed by Wim Wenders. The story follows Travis Henderson as he embarks on a journey to reconnect with his family, exploring themes of forgiveness and self-discovery.

With stunning visuals and an introspective approach, the film captures the vastness of the American Southwest and delves into the emotional landscapes of its characters.

It stands out in the genre for its exploration of personal relationships and the complexities of redemption and is better suited for families with older kids or teens .

Paris, Texas defies typical road trip movie tropes by exploring human emotions, visual storytelling, and reflective tone. It’s a unique and thought-provoking entry into the genre.

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Family Road Trip Movies of the 80s & 90s

11. goonies (1985).

🍿 Rating: PG | ⏰ Length: 1h54m | 👍 IMDB Grade: 7.7/10 | Watch Now!

Looking for a reason to watch one of your favorite childhood movies with your kids? Yup, Goonies is a family road trip movie! We recently watched it with Little Man and it’s just as good as I’d remembered.

Join a group of young friends known as the Goonies on an exciting treasure hunt filled with danger and adventure.

As they navigate through their town and various filming locations, the Goonies’ journey showcases the exploration and discovery elements often associated with road trip narratives.

The Goonies has not only captivated audiences but also inspired fans to embark on their own road trips to visit the movie’s iconic filming locations from Oregon to California.

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12. Rainbow Brite and the Star Stealer (1985)

🍿 Rating: G | ⏰ Length: 1h24m | 👍 IMDB Grade: 6.7/10 | Watch Now!

Rainbow Brite embarks on a cosmic mission to rescue the stars. While not a traditional road trip, it goes a celestial journey through space, centered around the themes of restoring color and joy to the universe.

This animated fantasy film follows the captivating adventures of Rainbow Brite, a vibrant character entrusted with the task of thwarting an evil princess and her minions from seizing control of the planet Spectra.

While interstellar travel and diverse settings are involved, the essence of the movie lies in protecting the universe from eternal darkness and reigniting the vibrancy of color and happiness.

Coming from a true Rainbow Bright fan (that’s me), this is an underrated family movie!

13. Pee-wee’s Big Adventure (1985)

🍿 Rating: PG | ⏰ Length: 1h30m | 👍 IMDB Grade: 7.0/10 | Watch Now!

Pee-wee’s Big Adventure (1985) is a whimsical and heartwarming family film directed by Tim Burton.

This beloved classic follows the eccentric Pee-wee Herman on a quest to find his stolen bicycle.

With imaginative storytelling, lighthearted humor, memorable characters, and positive messages, it offers an entertaining and delightful experience for the whole family.

Don’t miss out on this engaging and visually appealing movie that guarantees plenty of laughs and meaningful conversations with your kids.

14. The Sure Thing (1985)

🍿 Rating: PG-13 | ⏰ Length: 1h35m | 👍 IMDB Grade: 7.0/10 | Buy Now!

Two college students go on a trip that leads to romance. Best suited for families with teens, The Sure Thing follows Walter Gibson (John Cusack) and Alison Bradbury (Daphne Zuniga) on a Christmas break college road trip.

Along the way, they encounter twists and turns, making for an adventurous and entertaining story.

The movie combines comedy and romance, capturing the spirit of adventure and self-discovery associated with road trips.

Inspired by a real-life road trip, The Sure Thing offers an engaging storyline with memorable moments and relatable characters.

15. Crossroads (1986)

🍿 Rating: PG-13 | ⏰ Length: | 👍 IMDB Grade: 3.6/10 | Buy Now!

Crossroads is an engaging family road trip movie that follows three teenage girls, including Brittney Spears in her first movie role, on a cross-country journey of self-discovery and friendship.

With relatable themes, positive messages, a pop culture appeal, a sense of adventure, and an engaging soundtrack, it offers an enjoyable viewing experience for kids.

No, it’s not a cinematic masterpiece that’ll be nominated for an Oscar or Golden Globe, but your tweens and teens will enjoy it.

So, if you’re looking for a road trip movie that combines coming-of-age themes, positive messages, and a touch of pop culture, Crossroads can be a good choice for a family movie night.

16. Stand by Me (1986)

🍿 Rating: R | ⏰ Length: 1h29m | 👍 IMDB Grade: 8.1/10 | Watch Now!

Stand by Me is a beloved coming-of-age film directed by Rob Reiner. Based on Stephen King’s novella “The Body,” it follows the journey of four young boys searching for a missing boy.

Their on-foot adventure through a small town forms the central plot, highlighting their exploration, bonding, and self-discovery.

This iconic movie combines elements of friendship, personal growth, and a nostalgic setting.

However, it is rated R and contains mature content, so parents should consider its suitability for younger viewers. It may be better for families with teens.

17. Adventures in Babysitting (1987)

🍿 Rating: PG-13 | ⏰ Length: 1h42m | 👍 IMDB Grade: 6.9/10 | Watch Now!

Follow a babysitter and her charges as they navigate a series of comical and thrilling mishaps while trying to rescue a stranded friend in the big city.

Adventures in Babysitting is a road trip movie that takes you on an adventurous journey through Chicago .

Along the way, they encounter different locations, quirky characters, and unexpected situations, adding to the comedic and adventurous nature of their escapades.

This mix of comedy, action, and coming-of-age themes makes Adventures in Babysitting an entertaining watch for families.

18. Planes, Trains & Automobiles (1987)

🍿 Rating: R | ⏰ Length: 1h32m | 👍 IMDB Grade: 7.6/10 | Watch Now!

Planes, Trains, & Automobiles is a timeless comedy classic directed by John Hughes. He’s one of my favorite 1980’s directors!

This family road trip movie follows two mismatched travelers , Neal and Del, as they encounter hilarious misadventures while trying to make it home for Thanksgiving.

With relatable characters, hilarious situations, heartwarming themes, memorable quotes, and a universal appeal, this film is the perfect choice for families looking for a delightful cinematic experience.

Buckle up and get ready for a wild journey filled with laughter, life lessons, and unforgettable memories.

19. The Great Outdoors (1988)

🍿 Rating: PG | ⏰ Length: 1h30m | 👍 IMDB Grade: 6.6/10 | Watch Now!

Join the Ripley family on a hilarious camping trip filled with mishaps and a troublesome bear. This is one of my favorite John Candy movies from my childhood, and I look forward to introducing it to Little Man!

The Great Outdoors is a road trip movie that follows two families as they vacation at a lake resort in Pechoggin, Wisconsin.

Starring Dan Aykroyd and John Candy, this off-beat comedy explores family dynamics, nature, and unforgettable moments. Get ready for laughter and relatable adventures in the great outdoors!

With its comedic performances and themes of family togetherness, The Great Outdoors is a fun choice for families looking for an enjoyable road trip movie experience.

20. Driving Miss Daisy (1989)

🍿 Rating: G | ⏰ Length: 1h9m | 👍 IMDB Grade: 7.3/10 | Watch Now!

Driving Miss Daisy is a heartwarming film that explores the unexpected bond between an elderly woman and her chauffeur.

Set in 1950s Atlanta, the story follows Daisy, a Jewish widow who hires Hoke, a black man, as her driver. As they spend time together, their friendship grows, leading to personal transformations.

While not specifically for children, older kids and teens can appreciate this character-driven, historical drama. I watched it with my family when I was nine or ten, and really enjoyed it.

The film tackles themes of racism, aging, and societal changes, offering valuable insights into friendship and understanding. Viewer discretion is advised based on maturity.

21. Captain Ron (1992)

🍿 Rating: PG-13 | ⏰ Length: 100m | 👍 IMDB Grade: 5.8/10 | Watch Now!

Join the Harvey family on an incredibly hilarious and unpredictable sailing adventure with the one and only Captain Ron! It’s like a road trip but on a yacht, as this quirky Caribbean island to Miami journey unfolds.

Starring Kurt Russell as the lovable Captain Ron, who’s got quite an interesting past. And Martin Short as the suburban family man who hires him.

Captain Ron is generally considered a light-hearted comedy that older children and teenagers can enjoy. I watched it when I was a tween, as did David, and we both found the humor really entertaining.

There are some funny situations and jokes that might appeal more to older viewers, but overall it’s a fun movie for the whole family.

22. Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey (1993)

🍿 Rating: G | ⏰ Length: 1h24m | 👍 IMDB Grade: 6.9/10 | Watch Now!

Join two dogs and a cat on their incredible journey across mountains and rivers to find their owners.

Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey is a heartwarming story about Chance, a fun-loving American bulldog pup, Shadow, a wise golden retriever, and Sassy, a hilarious Himalayan cat.

These beloved pets embark on an adventurous trek through the rugged Sierra wilderness. While the film focuses on their journey, it captures the essence of a road trip as they face challenges and bond along the way.

It offers uplifting and family-friendly entertainment with strong messages about friendship and loyalty.

23. A Goofy Movie (1995)

🍿 Rating: G | ⏰ Length: 78m | 👍 IMDB Grade: 8.4/10 | Watch Now!

A Goofy Movie is a heartwarming and hilarious animated road trip film that follows the journey of Goofy and his son, Max.

It beautifully captures relatable family dynamics and explores the balance between parental expectations and individual dreams.

This movie came out when I was a teenager, so I didn’t watch it as a kid. However, I enjoyed watching it with Little Man a few years back.

With memorable characters, a catchy soundtrack, and valuable life lessons, it’s a must-watch for families seeking laughter and meaningful conversations. Get ready for a delightful adventure with Goofy and Max!

24. The Rugrats Movie (1998)

🍿 Rating: G | ⏰ Length: 1h19m | 👍 IMDB Grade: 5.9/10 | Watch Now!

The Rugrats Movie offers an entertaining and heartwarming road trip experience for audiences of all ages. Its blend of adventure, humor, and heartfelt moments make it a delightful choice for families to enjoy together.

The Rugrats Movie is an animated film that follows the beloved Rugrats gang on an unexpected journey.

After getting lost in the woods, they embark on a wild adventure to reunite with their families, encountering obstacles, surprises, and memorable encounters along the way.

The film explores themes of friendship and family bonds while showcasing the sense of exploration and discovery associated with road trips.

With challenges, new locations, and lessons about teamwork and trust, The Rugrats Movie is a delightful and heartwarming adventure for all ages.

25. The Straight Story (1999)

🍿 Rating: G | ⏰ Length: 1h52m | 👍 IMDB Grade: 8.0/10 | Watch Now!

The Straight Story is a heartwarming road trip movie that tells the story of Alvin Straight, an elderly man who embarks on a 300-mile journey on his lawnmower to visit his ailing brother.

While the film emphasizes themes of family loyalty, kindness to strangers, and reconciliation, it is more suited for older audiences due to its contemplative and slow-paced nature.

It offers a unique perspective on road trips and showcases the beauty of the Midwest, where I grew up.

However, it may not provide the adventure and excitement typically associated with road trip movies enjoyed by younger kids.

Modern Family Road Trip Movies (Early 2000s)

26. cheaper by the dozen (2003).

🍿 Rating: PG | ⏰ Length: 1h38m | 👍 IMDB Grade: 5.9/10 | Watch Now!

Cheaper By the Dozen is an absolute gem of a family road trip movie that promises to entertain and inspire both kids and adults.

This lighthearted and heartwarming film follows the hilarious adventures of a big family on a cross-country road trip.

With relatable family dynamics, plenty of laughter, positive role models, and exciting family travel adventures, it’s a feel-good movie that promotes family values and leaves you wanting more.

Gather the family, sit back, and enjoy the delightful chaos of the Baker family’s journey. It’s a must-watch that will keep everyone entertained and inspire a desire for more family adventures.

27. Finding Nemo (2003)

🍿 Rating: G | ⏰ Length: 1h40m | 👍 IMDB Grade: 8.2/10 | Watch Now!

Join Marlin, a clownfish, on a captivating adventure to find his son, Nemo, in the stunning world of the Great Barrier Reef.

Finding Nemo is a heartwarming story about love, courage, and friendship, with memorable characters that teach important lessons about family unity and never giving up.

👉 The 2016 sequel, Finding Dory , in which Marlon helps Dory find her family is another epic journey movie I recommend!

This entertaining and educational movie also sparks curiosity about marine life and conservation, while delivering Pixar’s signature blend of humor and heartwarming storytelling.

Get ready for an unforgettable undersea journey that will leave a lasting impression on the whole family!

28. Around the World in 80 Days (2004)

🍿 Rating: PG | ⏰ Length: 2h | 👍 IMDB Grade: 5.8/10 | Watch Now!

Around the World in 80 Days is a captivating adventure that follows the journey of an eccentric British inventor, his Chinese valet, and an aspiring French artist as they attempt to circumnavigate the globe in just eighty days.

Along the way, they encounter various modes of transportation, navigate different cultures, and face both dangers and adventures.

The film adaptation captures the spirit of the original novel by Jules Verne, showcasing the excitement, humor, and challenges of the characters’ global odyssey.

This family-friendly story offers a blend of comedy, adventure, and exploration, making it a great choice for road trip family movie nights.

29. Are We There Yet? (2005)

🍿 Rating: PG | ⏰ Length: 1h34m | 👍 IMDB Grade: 4.7/10 | Watch Now!

Join Ice Cube on a laughter-filled road trip with his girlfriend’s kids in the family-friendly movie, Are We There Yet?

This entertaining and relatable film balances humor, adventure, and valuable life lessons.

Ice Cube’s character serves as a positive role model, and the engaging performances of the talented cast bring the story to life.

If you’re looking for a fun and heartwarming family road trip movie, Are We There Yet? is a must-watch!!

30. RV (2006)

🍿 Rating: | ⏰ Length: | 👍 IMDB Grade: | Watch Now!

RV is a hilarious family comedy that follows a dysfunctional family on a memorable RV road trip.

With plenty of laughs, silly moments, and positive messages about family bonding, teamwork, and appreciation, RV is a fantastic choice for a fun family film.

The great chemistry between the cast members, led by the lively performance of Robin Williams, adds to the overall enjoyment of the movie.

Watch RV for a lighthearted adventure filled with laughter and valuable life lessons.

31. Cars (2006)

🍿 Rating: G | ⏰ Length: 1h56m | 👍 IMDB Grade: 7.2/10 | Watch Now!

Cars is a heartwarming movie that follows Lightning McQueen’s journey as he learns about friendship and the importance of slowing down in life.

With its lovable characters, stunning animation, and meaningful themes, the film appeals to both children and adults.

I admit, I’ve enjoyed this movie since long before having kids!

It’s a perfect choice for a family road trip movie, creating precious memories and sparking conversations along the way. Buckle up and get ready for an unforgettable adventure with Cars!

32. Little Miss Sunshine (2006)

🍿 Rating: R | ⏰ Length: 1h41m | 👍 IMDB Grade: 7.8/10 | Watch Now!

Join the quirky Hoover family on a hilarious and heartwarming road trip adventure in Little Miss Sunshine.

This family movie captures the spirit of adventure, togetherness, and embracing the journey.

With a heartfelt storyline, relatable characters, themes of acceptance and individuality, humorous and touching moments, and a memorable soundtrack, this film is perfect for your next family movie night.

Get ready to laugh, cry, and celebrate the power of family bonds with Little Miss Sunshine.

33. Wild Hogs (2007)

🍿 Rating: PG13 | ⏰ Length: 1h39m | 👍 IMDB Grade: 5.8/10 | Watch Now!

Wild Hogs is a comedy film about a group of middle-aged friends who embark on a motorcycle road trip in search of adventure and freedom.

Along the way, they encounter a variety of challenges that test their friendship and courage. The movie features an all-star cast including John Travolta, Tim Allen, Martin Lawrence, and William H. Macy.

If you’re a parent seeking a family road trip movie to watch with older kids or teens, this is a fun choice!

The movie is full of laughs, friendship, and meaningful lessons about facing fears and pursuing dreams. So get ready for an outrageous adventure with the Wild Hogs!

34. Up (2009)

🍿 Rating: G | ⏰ Length: 1h36m | 👍 IMDB Grade: 8.3/10 | Watch Now!

Join an unlikely duo on a whimsical journey to the South American wilderness, lifted by thousands of colorful balloons.

Okay, so it’s not your typical road trip with a fancy vehicle, but this film is all about travel and adventure. By balloon!

The focus is on the heartwarming tale of Carl Fredricksen, an elderly widower, and his young companion Russell, as they float a house with balloons from a city with skyscrapers, like New York City, all the way to South America.

It’s a story that delves into themes of friendship, love, and personal growth, making it a truly enjoyable and family-friendly adventure movie for all ages.

35. Rio (2011)

🍿 Rating: G | ⏰ Length: 101m | 👍 IMDB Grade: 6.8/10 | Watch Now!

When it comes to road trip movies, Rio might not be the first film that comes to mind. However, it does feature an adventurous journey that takes the main characters from Minnesota to Rio de Janeiro.

Note : The sequel, Rio 2 , also follows the characters on another adventure, making it a double dose of avian road trip excitement.

Join Blu, a domesticated macaw, and his new feathered friends as they embark on a thrilling journey in exotic Rio de Janeiro. Rio gets rave reviews for its amazing animation, adorable characters, and surprising plot twists.

It delivers a super fun and one-of-a-kind experience, especially for families who are interested in exploring the beauty of South America and Brazil. Like my family!

36. The Guilt Trip (2012)

🍿 Rating: PG13 | ⏰ Length: 1h35m | 👍 IMDB Grade: 5.8/10 | Watch Now!

Join an overprotective mother and her inventive son on a surprising and heartwarming road trip in The Guilt Trip.

This family-friendly movie explores the dynamics between a mother and an adult son, sparking conversations and reflections within your own family. With a mix of humor and heartfelt moments, it entertains both kids and adults.

The journey takes you across diverse states and landscapes, inspiring curiosity and a love for travel.

The Guilt Trip is a light and accessible film suitable for family viewing. So grab some popcorn and embark on this humorous and heartfelt adventure together!

37. The Croods (2013)

🍿 Rating: PG | ⏰ Length: 1h39m | 👍 IMDB Grade: 7.2/10 | Watch Now!

Join the Croods on a thrilling adventure to prehistoric times! This animated family road trip movie is perfect for family nights with the kids.

I may be a bit biased, though, since The Croods is one of Little Man’s all-time favorite family trips movies. He watches it on almost every family road trip we take!

Packed with excitement, humor, and positive messages, “The Croods” will entertain and inspire audiences of all ages. Don’t miss out on this visually stunning and universally funny film!

Overall, this animated adventure provides wholesome entertainment and valuable life lessons, making it an excellent road trip movie for the whole family.

38. Frozen (2013)

🍿 Rating: PG | ⏰ Length: 1h42m | 👍 IMDB Grade: 7.4/10 | Watch Now!

Ok, I’m stretching family road trip movies a bit by including this one. But Anna does take a “road trip” with Christophe in his sleigh pulled by Sven!

Venture into the icy kingdom of Arendelle with Anna, Elsa, and their friends on a quest to save the kingdom and mend their sisterly bond.

Featuring an emotional story, gorgeous animation, and catchy songs, Frozen is sure to be a hit with your family! Plus, the movie offers valuable lessons in sisterhood, friendship, and courage.

So bundle up and join Anna on her magical journey of self-discovery. You won’t regret it!

39. Planes (2013)

🍿 Rating: PG | ⏰ Length: 90m | 👍 IMDB Grade: 5.7/10 | Watch Now!

Planes is a delightful animated film that follows the adventures of Dusty Crophopper, a crop-dusting plane with big dreams of competing in a prestigious around-the-world air race.

Yes, it is about planes instead of cars but it’s still a great travel-around-the-world trip style movie. And I really enjoyed it. So I’m putting it on the list!

With its mix of humor, action, and positive messages, this movie is a fun watch for kids and aviation enthusiasts alike.

The animation, comedic moments, and appealing characters make Planes an enjoyable viewing experience for the whole family.

40. The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013)

🍿 Rating: PG | ⏰ Length: 1h55m | 👍 IMDB Grade: 7.3/10 | Watch Now!

Join Walter Mitty on an extraordinary journey as he escapes his mundane life through daydreams and real-life adventures.

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty can be considered a road trip movie, with Walter traveling to Greenland, Afghanistan, the Himalayas, and Iceland.

Throughout his quest to find a world-famous travel photographer, Walter transforms from a daydreamer to an actual adventurer, embracing life and pursuing his dreams.

This captivating film inspires viewers to step out of their comfort zones and embark on their own adventures.

Recent Family Road Trip Movies (2015 – Today)

41. vacation (2015).

🍿 Rating: R | ⏰ Length: 90m | 👍 IMDB Grade: 6.8/10 | Watch Now!

If you just finished watching National Lampoon’s Vacation and want to have a movie marathon with your older kids, this is the perfect second family road trip movie to choose!

Join the grown-up Rusty Griswold as he takes his own family on a nostalgic and outrageous journey to Walley World, following in his father’s footsteps.

Vacation is a fun and funny movie that will make you laugh until your sides hurt. It also features beautiful scenery, so it’s worth watching for that alone.

Just note that the movie is R-rated and there are some adult themes, so I wouldn’t recommend this one to families with young kids .

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44. Alvin & the Chipmunks: The Road Chip (2015)

🍿 Rating: PG | ⏰ Length: 1h31m | 👍 IMDB Grade: 4.9/10 | Watch Now!

Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Road Chip is a fantastic choice for a family movie road trip.

It offers kid-friendly entertainment with a lighthearted and silly adventure that kids will love. Little Man was obsessed with it for quite a while when he was younger.

The film promotes an inclusive message of family and sparks meaningful conversations about family dynamics.

With an engaging storyline, catchy songs, and a positive message, it’s a must-watch for a fun and family-friendly road trip experience.

42. Captain Fantastic (2016)

🍿 Rating: R | ⏰ Length: 2h | 👍 IMDB Grade: 7.8/10 | Watch Now!

Captain Fantastic is a beloved family road trip movie that explores the challenges and complexities of parenting.

It emphasizes the importance of nature and simplicity, delves into family dynamics, raises thought-provoking themes and messages, and features strong performances.

It encourages us to question societal norms and offers valuable lessons about self-sufficiency and living in harmony with the environment.

However, it contains mature content and parents should review it before exposing young children to it. I do recommend this to families with older kids, though!

43. Moana (2016)

🍿 Rating: PG | ⏰ Length: 2h | 👍 IMDB Grade: 7.6/10 | Watch Now!

Join Moana, a young Polynesian princess, as she sets sail across the Pacific Ocean on a daring voyage to save her people.

My family has loved this movie since before we became digital nomads , when we saw it in the theaters in Chicago. Little Man still loves it because Dwayne Johnson is Maui.

This enchanting animated film celebrates Polynesian culture, offers memorable characters, an unforgettable soundtrack, stunning visuals, and explores universal themes of self-discovery and embracing one’s true potential.

Let Moana inspire and captivate your family with its captivating story, music, and heartwarming messages of courage and self-discovery. Enjoy the adventure!

45. Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul (2017)

🍿 Rating: PG | ⏰ Length: 91m | 👍 IMDB Grade: 4.3/10 | Watch Now!

Join the Heffley family on a hilariously disastrous road trip to attend Meemaw’s 90th birthday party.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul is the fourth installment of the popular series and it’s sure to be a hit with your family. It sure was with ours!

The movie offers plenty of laughs, goofy characters, and entertaining misadventures that will keep you entertained throughout the journey!

Plus, there are valuable lessons about being kind to others and sticking together as a family. So buckle up and enjoy the ride with Greg, Rodrick, Mom, Dad, and Manny!

46. Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle (2017)

🍿 Rating: PG13 | ⏰ Length: 1h59m | 👍 IMDB Grade: 6.9/10 | Watch Now!

In this reboot of one of my favorite Robin Williams movies, four teenagers find themselves transported into the jungle world of Jumanji and must work together to survive.

Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle is a thrilling adventure-comedy film directed by Jake Kasdan.

As the characters navigate through different settings within the game, they encounter thrilling obstacles, overcome challenges, and learn the importance of teamwork.

This exciting and family-friendly movie offers a mix of action, humor, and camaraderie, making it a great choice for a memorable watch. Plus, it’s another Dwayne Johnson movie so it’s popular in our home!

47. Toy Story 4 (2019)

🍿 Rating: G | ⏰ Length: 1h40m | 👍 IMDB Grade: | Buy Now!

Join Woody, Buzz, and the gang on a road trip filled with new friends, unexpected twists, and heartwarming reunions. We watched this in the theaters when we first started traveling full-time . It pulled my heartstrings so hard!

Toy Story 4 transports viewers to a humorous world of toys that will delight kids and adults alike. It’s my favorite Toy Story movie. It offers heartwarming moments, hilarious jokes, and plenty of action-packed sequences.

The movie delivers meaningful messages about overcoming challenges, friendship, and family – touching themes many can relate to.

It’s no surprise that this is one of the highest-grossing animated movies of all time and that it won an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. Definitely worth watching!

48. Onward (2020)

Directed by Dan Scanlon, Onward is an animated fantasy-adventure film that follows two teen elf brothers on a magical quest to spend one last day with their late father.

This Pixar movie is full of imaginative visuals, thrilling moments, and heartwarming messages about family and friendship. The soundtrack is also amazing!

I absolutely love this movie. It’s exciting, funny, and moving—everything I want in a movie.

Onward will entertain the whole family while sending a message that even when life takes us on unexpected paths, we can still find our way back home. A must watch!

49. Mitchells vs The Machines (2021)

🍿 Rating: PG | ⏰ Length: 1h54m | 👍 IMDB Grade: 7.6/10 | Watch Now!

This is a family road trip movie that offers a unique and vibrant twist. The film follows the adventurous journey of the dysfunctional Mitchell family as they embark on a cross-country road trip.

However, their plans take an unexpected turn when they find themselves amid a robot uprising and must save the world from this technological threat.

Mitchells vs The Machines is an enjoyable movie full of laughs, meticulously crafted visuals, and a message about the importance of family. It’s also great to see a diverse cast on screen!

So if you’re looking for a fun-filled animated adventure with a unique twist, this is the movie for you and your family.

50. Luca (2021)

🍿 Rating: PG | ⏰ Length: 1h35m | 👍 IMDB Grade: 7.4/10 | Watch Now!

Luca is an awesome road trip movie for families to enjoy together. It takes you on a breathtaking journey to the Italian Riviera with stunning visuals.

The film explores themes of friendship, self-discovery, and belonging, while also providing plenty of laughs.

Little Man loved this movie so much, we ended up going to McDonalds JUST for the Happy Meal toys.

Luca celebrates Italian culture and offers a chance for families to create lasting memories. Don’t miss out on this heartwarming and visually stunning film!

What are Family Road Trip Movies?

Family road trip movies are a genre of films that revolve around an adventurous journey taken by a family.

These family trip movies typically feature a group of characters embarking on a road trip (or long journey), often set against a backdrop of stunning landscapes and exciting destinations.

From comedies to dramas, these films blend relatable family dynamics with thrilling adventures, resulting in a delightful and heartwarming cinematic experience.

Key Characteristics of Family Road Trip Movies

☑️ Themes of Discovery and Adventure : Family road trip movies capture the essence of exploration and discovery. They inspire a sense of wanderlust and encourage viewers to embrace new experiences.

☑️ Humor and Light-heartedness : These family vacation movies infuse humor and light-hearted moments, providing ample opportunities for laughter and entertainment.

They cleverly portray the ups and downs of family dynamics, offering relatable scenarios that resonate with both kids and parents.

☑️ Character Development : One of the key strengths of family road trip movies is their focus on character development.

As the journey unfolds, characters learn valuable life lessons, grow closer as a family, and overcome obstacles together, leaving a lasting impact on both the audience and the characters themselves.

☑️ Stunning Visuals : Alongside captivating stories, family road trip movies often showcase breathtaking landscapes, iconic landmarks, and picturesque scenery.

These visuals enhance the sense of adventure and inspire wanderlust in viewers of all ages.

Why Family Road Trip Movies are Essential for Bonding and Lasting Memories

Family road trip movies offer more than mere entertainment.

They create opportunities for parents and children to share quality time together, fostering stronger bonds and creating lasting memories. Here’s why these movies are a must-watch for families:

🎦 Shared Experiences : Watching family road trip movies together allows families to laugh, empathize, and connect over shared experiences. It opens up conversations, sparks imagination, and creates a sense of togetherness.

🎦 Educational Value : These movies often incorporate valuable life lessons, teaching kids about friendship, resilience, and the importance of family.

They expose children to different cultures, environments, and perspectives, expanding their horizons and nurturing a thirst for knowledge.

🎦 Inspiration and Encouragement : Family road trip movies inspire a sense of adventure and encourage families to plan their own memorable journeys.

They ignite the desire to explore new destinations, embark on thrilling escapades, and create their own stories.

🎦 Nostalgia and Lasting Memories : Years down the road, these movies become cherished memories that families can look back on with fondness.

They evoke a sense of nostalgia, reminding us of the joyous moments shared during family movie nights and the laughter that echoed through the living room.

FAQs About Family Road Trip Movies

Do you still have questions about family road trip movies? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions.

What is a movie where the family goes on vacation?

A classic movie about family vacations is National Lampoon’s Vacation. The Griswold family goes on a cross-country road trip, full of hijinks and mishaps, in an attempt to get to Wally World.

It’s a hilarious film that captures the humorous chaos that can occur when families travel together .

What is the old movie about a family road trip?

The old movie is National Lampoon’s Vacation. Join the Griswold family on a chaotic road trip to Walley World in the 1983 classic.

This heartwarming story follows their misadventures across multiple states. From running out of gas in the desert to challenging encounters with the law, they prove that strong family bonds can overcome any obstacle.

What movies should you watch with your family?

When it comes to movies that are fit for the entire family, there are lots of choices! If you’re looking for something light-hearted, classic comedies like Groundhog Day or Home Alone are sure to bring on the laughter.

Family road trip movies like Cars or Goonies take us on an exciting journey with characters who learn valuable lessons along the way. Whatever type of movie your family is in the mood for, there’s something out there for everyone!

What should I watch on a long car ride?

Mitchell’s vs The Machines and American Graffiti are both classic family road trip movies, but there are plenty of more contemporary options as well. Pixar’s Cars and Inside Out would be great for younger viewers, while Thelma & Louise and Easy Rider offer a more adult take on road trips.

No matter what your audience is, you’re sure to find something that everyone can agree on. And don’t forget about those classics like National Lampoon’s Vacation and Little Miss Sunshine! There’s no shortage of great movies to choose from when it comes to long car rides.

What are the five Vacation movies?

The five Vacation movies are National Lampoon’s Vacation (1983) , European Vacation (1985), Christmas Vacation (1989), Vegas Vacation (1997), and the most recent installment, 2015’s Vacation. Each film follows the same central characters on a misadventure in a different vacation destination.

What are the top 10 movies for families?

The top movies for families are The Lion King (1994), Toy Story (1995), Finding Nemo (2003), Up (2009), Coco (2017) , Moana (2016), Zootopia (2016), The Incredibles (2004), Wall-E (2008), and Frozen (2013).

How do you have a good family movie night?

Having a good family movie night is all about selecting the right movie and creating an experience that everyone can enjoy. Start out making a list of movies that everyone likes, and let each person pick one.

Treat it like an event—turn off all devices, order takeout or create a meal together, and get comfy on the couch. Make sure each person has their favorite snacks nearby as well!

How do you survive a 7 hour car ride?

Long car rides can be especially difficult if you’re not prepared for them. Make sure to bring plenty of snacks and drinks, and plan some entertainment options like music or podcasts that you can enjoy during the ride.

If the car has a DVD player, make sure to bring a movie or two. Keep each other company and play car games, like answering car game questions. And don’t forget to do some stretches every now and then – sitting in one spot for too long can make you stiff!

Why is it fun to watch movies with family?

Watching movies with family is an enjoyable pastime for all ages. It’s an opportunity to spend quality time together and bond over shared interests. Watching movies is a great way to relax and take a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Plus, you can laugh, cry, or experience any emotion together as you immerse yourself in the story. You’ll also be able to discuss your favorite parts afterward, which makes the movie-watching experience even more enjoyable!

Why are family movies important?

Family movies are a vital tool for bringing families closer together. They create shared experiences, promote meaningful conversations, and allow parents to impart values in a fun way .

These movies provide an escape from daily stress, encouraging relaxation and quality time. Ultimately, they help create lasting memories and pass on traditions to future generations.

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Final Thoughts on Family Road Trip Movies

From the laughter-filled adventures to the heartfelt moments of connection, these family road trip movies have a way of resonating with families and society as a whole.

Through the power of storytelling, family road trip movies remind us of the importance of spending quality time with our loved ones.

So, why not take a cue from these movies and plan your own family adventure?

Visit those stunning national parks you saw on screen or explore charming small towns that capture the essence of the open road.

Try out the activities featured in the films, like hiking, camping, or simply enjoying a picnic in nature.

Or go really big and drive the Pan-American Highway like our family!

Let the magic of these movies inspire you and your loved ones to embark on your very own unforgettable journey.

Remember to check the ratings and age appropriateness of these movies to ensure they are suitable for your family.

So grab some snacks, cozy up on the couch, and enjoy these entertaining road trip adventures!

Happy travels! 🚗

Author: Brodi Cole

Brodi Cole is a full-time digital nomad who travels the world with her family. She made the switch to blogging and content writing after spending more than a decade and a half working as a Human Resources Manager and Director. Since transitioning her family to a digital nomad lifestyle, they've visited over 20 countries together (and counting) in the last ten years! In addition to traveling extensively through Canada, the USA, and the Caribbean, she's also visited Asia, Europe, and South America. She spent most of the pandemic living in Malaysia before living in Mexico for over a year and then driving the Pan-American Highway from the USA to the southernmost tip of Argentina. Brodi is also a freelance SEO writer and editor, sharing her expertise with other companies and bloggers. She has a Bachelor's Degree in English Literature and a Master's Degree in Human Resources Management.

Brodi Cole is a full-time digital nomad who travels the world with her family. She made the switch to blogging and content writing after spending more than a decade and a half working as a Human Resources Manager and Director.

Since transitioning her family to a digital nomad lifestyle, they've visited over 20 countries together (and counting) in the last ten years!

In addition to traveling extensively through Canada, the USA, and the Caribbean, she's also visited Asia, Europe, and South America.

She spent most of the pandemic living in Malaysia before living in Mexico for over a year and then driving the Pan-American Highway from the USA to the southernmost tip of Argentina.

Brodi is also a freelance SEO writer and editor, sharing her expertise with other companies and bloggers. She has a Bachelor's Degree in English Literature and a Master's Degree in Human Resources Management.

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Screen Rant

10 funniest road trip movies, ranked.

Road trip movies make for some of the best comedies. These are the most HILARIOUS road trip movies, ranked on the laughs.

The holidays are notorious for crowded, difficult travel, as families reunite and celebrate with no shortage of stress. With the season on cue, Thanksgiving right around the corner, let’s take a look at some of the funniest road trips on film. Of course, comedy is always subjective, so expect omissions and surprises. But there are some enduring classics worth noting, since nothing spells comedy like cramping people together. Particularly for long periods of time, and with zany characters. Many of the films in this niche genre are generally on the wacky side, but at times, that can be a welcome thing.

RELATED: 10 Comedy Masterpieces You’ve Probably Never Seen

Smoke Signals (1998)

This is a unique, self-aware, and entirely Native American production that can speak to anyone. It focuses on a young man confronting the troubled history with his father. And yet, this simple, familiar premise is bolstered by authenticity, and an unexpected embrace of comedy. The humor here works precisely because of the dramatic investment. And while many of its jokes utilize the general public’s familiarity with Native Americans, the smaller beats are the lifeblood of the film. The odd, naive personality of Thomas is crucially effective, and his unlikely friendship with the protagonist is very charming.

Paul (2011)

Sure, this strange outing for Nick Frost and Simon Pegg may not be as sophisticated or witty as Shaun of the Dead . But the protagonists’ natural chemistry is perpetually endearing, and the pop culture references are more sly than pandering. It’s a pseudo-parody of all things science-fiction. While much of the comedy is juvenile, it’s essentially a guilty pleasure of sorts. Paul himself is a surprisingly fun character, well-fueled by the infectious humor in Seth Rogen’s performance. While some may be frustrated by the religion-ribbing, it feels good-natured and harmlessly silly. The story boils down to one long chase, and the friendships are sincere enough to sell the outrageous comedy.

Tommy Boy (1995)

There isn’t room anywhere to give Chris Farley enough praise. The restraints of a list just feel like a fat guy in a little coat. He was a genius of physical comedy, but also nailed the dramatic moments. And his rambunctious personality was a perfect complement to David Spade’s signature, deadpan humor. The two have flawless chemistry, as the protagonist sets out on a sales trip to rescue his family’s factory.

RELATED:  Chris Farley's 10 Most Hilarious Movies, Ranked

Before Dan Aykroyd himself can buy it out, a simple yet clever ticking clock. This is a family comedy classic of the 90’s, with enough talent on screen to overcome its tropes.

Dumb And Dumber (1994)

While this Jim Carrey classic may not have dated so well, it too is driven by the cast. The protagonists are complete idiots, a conceit which could otherwise go very wrong. Stupidity for stupidity’s sake can be unbearable, and the redundancy could become tedious. Fortunately, the bizarre concepts are clever enough, and the titular duo are talented enough to carry the film. It moves quickly, with equally imaginative and quirky comedy, unapologetic in its tone. That sincerity will always speak to its target demographic, and particularly worked as a film of the 90’s.

Vacation (1983)

Harold Ramis—Egon himself—was also a brilliant creative. He deftly handles this classic John Hughes screenplay, which is very demanding with slick physical gags. Chevy Chase is the perfect lead for the iconic Griswold family. His protagonist is so determined to give his family a good time, it’s impossible not to root for them. Even when Chase himself becomes preoccupied with a flashy blonde, out on the road. The misadventures slyly escalate, which allows the audience to ease into the brazen humor. While the Griswolds’ Christmas may have elaborated and improved in some regards, this original remains addictive and iconic.

The Blues Brothers (1980)

This film is probably best remembered for its incredible soundtrack, and a glorious car chase. But especially in retrospect, it is absolutely astonishing that this film successfully expanded on an SNL sketch. Of course, the invaluable Belushi and Aykroyd were arguably more entertaining than many of the actual musical guests SNL has invited.

RELATED:  5 Comedy Films From The '80s That Are Way Underrated (& 5 That Are Overrated)

That dancing alone was something else. Anyhow, the film adaptation wields very smart comedy, even with its physical humor. The music is infectious, and the performances will endure any test of time. The ease with which the protagonists ground each gag is almost unparalleled.

Midnight Run (1988)

This is probably one of the more underrated, or at least forgotten gems of comedy. The plot itself isn’t especially original, mainly a simple twist on the buddy cop formula. The protagonist is a bounty hunter, stuck with an ex-Mafia accountant. It’s another two opposites that sound like the setup for a sitcom. But it’s actually a great showcase for Robert De Niro’s surprising comedic ability. Before he took to parodying himself altogether, this movie simply allowed him to riff on his signature tough guy persona. Sure, most of the film’s jokes rely on direct punchlines, akin to many 80’s comedies. But even the coarse language of the film is cleverly used for comedic effect.

Once Upon A Time In Hollywood (2019)

With all of the press regarding Manson, it was truly a shock to discover the film was predominantly a road trip. The protagonists spend most of their time on the road, conversing as only Tarantino can provide. Despite a possibly mocking interpretation of Bruce Lee, the comedy actually sparks from beginning to end, and it is a fantasy, after all. Brad Pitt’s impossible stuntman is hilarious, as is his palpable friendship with DiCaprio’s has-been protagonist. It’s a divisive film, even among Tarantino’s fans, for its length, indulgence and style.

RELATED:  The 10 Best Comedy Movies Of All Time, According To IMDB

But as road trip movies go, it’s undeniably effective with its appealing, laid back spirit.

Zombieland (2009)

The Walking Dead  will soon get its own movie series —based on the TV series, which is based on the comics. Before such an abundance of zombie-related entertainment, Zombieland parodied the genre while perfectly celebrating it. The gore and horror are legitimately effective, despite the consistent laughs. This movie simply works on all facets—as a zombie movie, a comedy, and a road trip about family. The cast has such copious chemistry, they got away with a fun sequel that basically revisited all the same beats. The neurotic protagonist is a surprisingly ideal survivor of the apocalypse, and his romance is unexpectedly sincere. In fact, the characters are all equally plausible, even when they’re larger than life.

Planes, Trains & Automobiles (1987)

Steve Martin and John Candy both lean in to their signature roles. The latter is equally annoying and endearing, while Martin’s family man has a very sympathetic plight. This may be one of the most honest films about the holidays. The struggle home results in a heartwarming, hard-earned friendship, and the dramatic twist is deeply affecting, if not predictable. The comedy of errors doesn’t become tiresome because of sheer ingenuity and talent, a benchmark for everything on this list. But regarding comedy itself, there are few things more amusing than a hopelessly unlucky, endlessly patient protagonist with a noble goal. It makes the holidays seem just a tad less hectic for the rest of us, sincere even when it occasionally entertains a cartoonish tone.

NEXT: The 10 Best Board Games For A Road Trip

30 Classic Family Road Trip Movies You Need to See

If you are traveling by car this summer and headed to somewhere special, having some good family road trip movies for the kids to watch is the perfect entertainment for the trip.

Family road trip movies make great entertainment because they make time go by faster, and they can be watched on tablets, phones, and portable DVDs. The most common ways to watch movies when traveling are probably the tablets and phones, and it works perfectly because they are portable and can be used anywhere.

So, get the movies ready to go before you get in the car! Here are some of the best family road trip movies that can be enjoyed while traveling.

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Best Road Trip Movies to Watch BEFORE you Hit the Road

This collection of road trip movies have us dreaming (or dreading!) hitting the road with our loved ones. You may want to watch these before you hit the road. How many of these can you relate to?

National Lampoon’s Vacation

You knew this was going to be number one on the list! An oldies but a Goldie, this 1983 classic film follows the Griswald family on an epic American road trip to visit Wally World, that’s nothing but a disaster but packed full of laughs.

Fans of the National Lampoon series may also want to try the next-generation sequel set in 2015, Vacation .

A Goofy Movie

Disney’s favorite oddball Goofy and his teenage son Max are off on this cross-country adventure for a fishing trip to lake Idaho. As only Goofy knows how embarrassment for Max and misadventure are sure to ensue; will this be Max’s worst nightmare, or is Dad really not that bad?

Diary of A Wimpy Kids: The Long Haul

Based on the smash-hit book series by Jeff Kinney, Greg is up to his usual scheming trying to get to a gaming convention on the Heffley family road trip to attend Meemaw’s 90th birthday. Things inevitably go embarrassingly wrong for Greg.

Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey

Furry trio Shadow, the wise golden retriever, Chance the fun-loving American bulldog pup, and Sassy the Himalayan cat head off across the Sierra Nevada Mountains to find their family in San Fransisco.

They are “sent to the farm” after their family needs to relocate and believe their family is in trouble. Another one you might want to pack your Kleenex for if you’re following along on this cross-country adventure.

Who needs Hawaii when you can spend some quality time together on a cross-country road trip?! Bob Munro takes the family on a hilarious trip through the Rocky Mountains but he really has an ulterior motive, in order to save his job he must attend a meeting.

A classic tale of a dysfunctional family who find themselves and what’s important while on the road.

College Road Trip

Independent high school student Melaine can’t wait to hit the road with her girlfriends on a college visit trip, but the tables are turned when over-protective Dad James decides he’s joining the adventure.

Throw in a stowaway brother and his pet pig in the trunk, you can only guess what craziness will ensue. A great story about growing up and letting go, your older teens will no doubt find very relatable!

Life is indeed a highway! You’ll all be singing along to Tom Cochrane in this animated classic.

Hotshot rookie racing car Lightning McQueen is headed to his tie-breaker Piston Cup championship race in California. However, driver Mack falls asleep and McQueen finds himself lost on old Route 66 but finding himself and what makes a champion racer.

If this doesn’t want to make you pop in a car and head for the glory of the open road, nothing will! (see our favorite spots in Arizona to relive classic moments from the movie!)

Classic Family Road Trip Movies

Whether you’re looking to plug the kids into their portable DVD players and tablets, or something to snuggle in together and watch at night during your family trip, here are some classic adventure movies you simply can’t go wrong with having loaded ready on a device.

Finding Nemo

Finding Nemo is a family favorite movie for many of us and children tend to get so involved in the movie and Nemo’s adventure that time just flies by.

That’s a good thing when it comes to road trips! Equally lovable adventures ensue in the sequel Finding Dory – no doubt the motivation many of us dream of a California coastal road trip to Monterey Bay Aquarium.

Toy Story is a classic kid’s movie that they will love watching on their road trip adventure. You may even find yourself following allow to this family favorite! Download the whole series for hours and hours of road trip entertainment!

Annie: A Royal Adventure

Annie has been a popular classic movie that both kids and adults have enjoyed throughout the years. This version takes the classic and makes it more up to time but still features little orphan Annie and her red hair on an exciting adventure.

Cheaper By The Dozen 2

Worried the Baker family is drifting apart, Dad Tom plans one last family vacation at Lake Winnetka.

What can go wrong when you have a family of 12 kids and take part in a competition with another family? Actually, a lot, which is what makes this movie a barrel full of laughs.

Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Road Chip

Alvin and his brothers are headed out on an adventure as they race to Miami to keep their family together. Full of musical adventures and fun, Alvin always makes a road trip interesting.

The Muppet Movie

Watch as Kermit leaves his Florida swamp to seek out his Hollywood dreams in show business! The Muppets are a classic collection of characters that we can all love and enjoy and make the perfect road trip companion.

The Parent Trap

Follow along with identical twins separated at birth as they switch places to try and reunite their parents with this classic family film.

Little Rascals

Little Rascals is a ’90s film that many loved, and it follows the story of Alfalfa and his friends on their journey through being a kid.

One of the most popular movies for kids, following along with Moana as she sets sail will make a great road trip movie to watch. Moana is a movie about family, love, and courage.

Full of laughs, Rio made its debut in 2011 and has been a favorite for many children. The movie follows Blu, a macaw, who is loveable and friendly and thinks he is the only one of his kind left.

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

A funny musical that’s been a classic for years, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is a fun movie that kids of all ages can enjoy.

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is the name of the magical car that’s found in the scrapyard that the kids convince their father to rebuild. Once rebuilt, everyone goes on a magical adventure as their dad tells the story of how the car got its powers.

Mr Bean’s Holiday

Oh Mr Bean! Misunderstandings and unfortunate mistakes seem to follow British TV star Mr Bean wherever he goes. You’ll laugh and cringe as he heads on his vacation to Cannes on French Riviera.

Home Alone 2: Lost in New York

Holiday misadventures abound, Kevin’s already been left at home when his family flew off to Paris, could they possibly forget Kevin AGAIN? From mistaken flights to fancy hotels and catching crooks, Home Alone 2 is largely set in New York , definitely a great one for getting you in the mood for a festive season vacation.

No, we don’t talk about Bruno! But if you haven’t been swept away yet by this Disney classic released last year, it’s time to get it downloaded as you’re in for a real treat.

The Madrigals are an extraordinary family living in Columbia and Mirabel, well, she’s just ordinary. But can she save the magic that surrounds their home?

So many life lessons and just a beautiful story. Carl Fredricksen finally fulfills his lifelong dream, flying away to South America in his balloon-powered house, but doesn’t expect a stowaway boy named Russell to be joining his adventure.

A cross country move follows the emotions inside 11-year-old Riley’s mind. Moving to a new city can be tough; but can be San Francisco be all that bad? I think we all undeniably have a little Joy and Sadness sitting in our head’s HQ. Another one to bring the tissues!

Hotel Transylvania 3

Even hoteliers need a vacation, right? When Drac and his crew from Hotel Transylvania are taken on a luxury cruise ship vacation, it’s love at first sight with the cruise captain, Erika, but she has a secret… A hilarious follow-up flick that hits all the marks for family vacation entertainment.

Roar Trip Movies For Older Kids

These ones are recommended for mature audiences but should be added to your repertoire of classic vacation movies.

Dirty Dancing

Not specifically set on the road but screams everything about summer vacation in America in the 1960s. Ready to fly the coup, Baby is on her last family vacation at an affluent camp in the Catskills with her family where she strikes up a romantic interest in her dance instructor, Johnny.

Admit it, we’ve all tried “that dance move” in the water at some point in our lives, right?

Psst if you want to visit the luxurious lodge, you’ll actually find it in Pembroke, Virginia .

Around the World in 80 Days

Based on the Novel of the same name, a remake of the 1956 classic, the eccentric Phileas Fogg sets out on a daring challenge to circumnavigate the globe (sans modern-day commercial aircraft!) in just 80 days.

Planes, Trains & Automobiles

I think we all know the pain of holiday travel; When a snowstorm hits Wichita, uptight exec Neal finds himself inadvertently paired with the annoyingly upbeat Del Griffith, the shower curtain salesman to get home to Chicago. Worst of travel companions or an unlikely friendship found on the way home to Thanksgiving?

(NB Rated R! Save this for your much older kids!)

Little Miss Sunshine

Abigail is a 7-year-old that gets the opportunity to compete in a California beauty pageant. From Alburquerque to Redondo Beach follow the dysfunctional Hoover family dealing with crushed dreams, heartbreaks, and a broken-down VW bus. Laugh and cry along with this heartwarming family road trip movie.

(Another one that is surprisingly rated R, due to frequent profanity, but your mature teens should definitely enjoy it)

How to Watch Your Family Road Trip Movies

Whilst many modern family SUVs particularly do come fitted with in-built screens for the back seat, inevitably not everyone can see the screens, nor has the luxury of such a car. So how do you watch your favorite family road trip movies?

• A tablet is, of course, the number one choice for most families for video watching on the move.
• A portable DVD player ; yup they still exist! Ideal if you only want to play movies and don’t need all the other functionality of a tablet
• A travel tray to help hold your tablet. We like the Lusso Gear Kids Travel Tray with a tablet holder and still allows play room.
• We’d also suggest a good set of wireless headphones for the car, or older kids can try Bluetooth earbuds .
• Never forget an important family road trip item again with our road trip essentials checklist .

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40 Best Family Vacation Movies and Where to Stream Them

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There always comes a time of year when you need a break from the city, work, or personal obligations. That tells us it’s time to take to the road and get away from responsibilities. It’s always fun to go somewhere new, try something different, and relax. However, depending on your personal situation, it might be hard to take that vacation right away. Or, you might have to include your family in the plan, which can cause a variety of funny or stressful situations. Until you can book your time off, we’ve picked out the 40 best family vacation movies perfect to get you in the spirit. This way, you can use cinema to take your mind off of life and participate in a weekend away on the big screen.

We’ve included an array of vacation-style situations, from the heart-warming to forgotten luggage chaos, and beyond. Each movie listed comes complete with how you can watch it, whether that be Netflix, HBO Max, or only available by renting.

READ MORE: 15 Best Animated Movies for Adults and Where to Stream Them

40. Roman Holiday – Paramount+

Considered one of the most romantic getaway films, Roman Holiday features the perfect pairing of Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck. Hepburn plays a touring princess that finds herself exhausted from her European tour and needs to get away for a bit. Peck plays American reporter named Joe who saves her from the streets of Rome until he realizes that he can get an exclusive story on the Princess and save his career. Only one thing gets in the way: his newfound feelings for the Princess.

39. The Parent Trap – Disney Plus

Sometimes you can meet amazing people and experience the unexpected while on a trip. And for two girls, that’s exactly what happens during their summer away from home. They discover that they are identical twins who were separated by divorce. Intrigued, they concoct a plan to get their parents back together and switch places after summer camp ends. But they’ll have to act fast because there are already new suitors that could destroy their plans. This is definitely one of the best vacation movies that will warm your heart.

38. National Lampoon’s European Vacation – Max

Starring Chevy Chase, Dana Hill, and the rest of the Griswald family, this vacation movie hits all the awful and funny elements of family travel. In this European adventure-come-chaotic nightmare, expect the usual antics that make National Lampoon’s movies a guilty pleasure.

37. What About Bob? – Apple TV+

In What About Bob? Richard Dreyfuss plays a psychiatrist hoping to finally take a relaxing vacation with his family. What he didn’t count on was that his crazed patient, played by Bill Murray, would be joining him on his trip to a country home. And it isn’t long before Murray works his charismatic magic on the family, turning Dreyfuss into a frustrated mess of a man who drops his professional demeanor. A strange but ultimately hilarious film for the quirky duo of Dreyfuss and Murray.

While playing an obsessive-compulsive neurotic patient, Bill Murray tracks down his psychotherapist during his family vacation, thereby opening a pandora box and releasing all sorts of trouble for Richard Dreyfuss.

36. Force Majeure – Hulu

This 2014 comedy-drama follows the marital tension, which is an outcome of a devastating avalanche, during which the husband, Kristofer Hivju, priorities his escape over his family’s safety while vacationing in the French Alps.

35. Mr. Popper’s Penguins – Hulu

In what seems to be a sheer miscommunication, the decision to return his father’s gifted “souvenir” from his Antarctic adventures proved costly for Thomas Popper Jr. as he received a shipment of penguins. Starring Jim Carey, Mr. Popper’s Penguins is one of the best vacation movies on this list if you’re looking for something to watch with young children.

34. Frankie – Hulu

A terminally ill French actress’ decision to spend her last vacation with her large family in Portugal proves counterproductive. Her relatives bring their own insecurities with them, making the visit less than relaxing. It’s a deep story with a serious side, but worth a watch for the scenery and storytelling.

33. The Anderssons Hit the Road – Apple TV+

The Anderssons embark on a road trip across Europe to collect a signature on a painting that can fetch them millions. If you and your family are planning a vacation to Europe any time soon, this is the movie to watch. It’s a Swedish film, so you should note that there are subtitles in English available for this option.

32. A Christmas Story – Prime Video

Presented in a multitude of vignettes, the film is about a young boy who is hopeful of getting an air rifle as his Christmas gift. It features Ralphie’s struggles to make it to Christmas day with his glasses and hopes intact. To revisit the holiday spirit, this movie is always a great watch. It’s only available for rent this time of year.

31. What’s Cooking? – Tubi

On the menu in this 2000 drama-comedy , there are uninvited guests, outrageous conversations, sibling rivalry, etc. You are invited to the Thanksgiving Dinner hosted by four diverse families who each have their unique way of cooking and their own set of problems.

30. Johnson Family Vacation – Max

To make amends with his separated wife and spend time with his adorable kids, Nate Johnson convinces them to take a trek from California to Missouri, where they encounter various eccentrics along the way.

29. RV – Apple TV+

Things don’t go as planned for Bob Munro & his dysfunctional family when they decide to rent an RV for their road trip to the Colorado Rockies. Starring Robin Williams and Cheryl Hines as the parents, you will not be able to stop laughing at everything that manages to go wrong on this family trip.

28. Mr. Hobbs Takes A Vacation – Prime Video

This vacation’s itinerary consists of fun-filled surprises for Mr. Hobbs who finds that his wife has invited their extended family on a peaceful vacation that he had planned. Starring James Stewart, this 1960s film will take you back and time and provide a funny outlet to your vacation blues.

27. Judy Moody and The Not Bummer Summer – Tubi

After getting abandoned by her friends, who refused to spend their summer vacations in Judy’s manner, she has to now spend her holidays with her irritating brother and Aunt Opal. Starring Heather Graham, this movie is based on the popular book series Judy Moody .

26. The Great Outdoors – Apple TV+

A quiet weekend of fishing for Ripley (John Candy) and Connie turns turbulent when Connie’s unpleasant brother-in-law, Roman Craig (Dan Aykroyd), crashes at his Wisconsin lakeside cabin. Craig disrupts the family vacation and puts both families at odds with each other. It’s written by the great John Hughes , so if you’re an 80s fan, this is a must-watch.

ALSO READ: A Complete List of Disney Movies Coming Out in 2023

25. Little Miss Sunshine – Disney+

This 2006 comedy-drama features a family who decides to travel across the country to help their daughter fulfill her desire to participate in a beauty pageant. The journey is filled with endless surprises, which will make you laugh and cry. It even won two Oscars, so you can guarantee it is worth a watch.

24. Us – Prime Video

While on vacation in Santa Cruz, the Wilson family is caught unaware when attacked by a family of four, who look very much like them. This is a horror movie and rated R, so be warned that this is a family vacation that could scare you out of your mind.

23. Summer Rental – Prime Video

When John Candy ‘s character needs a break from his job as an air traffic controller, he books a getaway and couldn’t be more excited for the plush resort that lies ahead. This hopeful journey turns into a major disappointment when he finds that the resort he booked to be a hut by the beach.

22. Family Vanished – Prime Video or Lifetime

This 2018 thriller features a family’s return from a vacation to find that their house has been taken over by criminals who have stolen their identities. They are then held hostage, and their attempts to escape have severe repercussions as they are named suspects in a series of thefts.

21. Escape From Tomorrow – Roku

 The sanity of Roy Abramsohn is threatened in this 2013 horror film when he encounters weird sights and events during a family trip to a giant theme park.

20. Panic In Year Zero – Prime Video

This 1962 American black-and-white science fiction movie stars Ray Milland and Frankie Avalon. The film is about a family leaving Los Angeles on a camping trip and then they find themselves amidst an atomic war. In their futile attempt to return alive, they decide to take refuge in their vacation spot. 

19. Home For The Holidays – Vudu

After losing her job, making out with her boss, and knowing that her daughter will sleep with her boyfriend, Claudia decides to spend her Thanksgiving holidays with her family, who are the epitome of craziness. This title is only available for rent on Vudu and Prime Video.

18. The Family Stone – Hulu

An uptight businesswoman decides to attend her outgoing family’s Christmas bash with her boyfriend and hopes she won’t regret that choice. She finds herself out of place in such a quirky environment. Starring Sarah Jessica Parker, Dermot Mulroney, Claire Danes, Diane Keaton, Rachel McAdams, and Luke Wilson, this romantic comedy is a great watch if you’ve never seen it before.

17. August: Osage County – Netflix

This 2013 drama-comedy features three estranged sisters who, after a tragedy, visit their hometown and live with their mother diagnosed with cancer. Starring Meryl Streep and Julia Roberts, this is an intense drama that gets to the heart of family conflict and responsibility.

16. The Perfect Holiday – Hulu

This 2007 comedy is about a divorced mother with three children who was feeling lonely during the holidays. Nancy’s youngest daughter plans to make her mother happy by asking a departmental Santa Claus to compliment her mother. What follows is a series of funny scenes that showcases the importance of family at Christmas.

15. Arthur Christmas – Hulu

A technical glitch preventing a little girl from receiving her Christmas gift makes Santa’s nerdy son embark on a journey to deliver the present before it’s too late. This is a fantastic animated movie that puts the message of Christmas on a pedestal. It’s perfect for all of your family members to watch to get into the holiday spirit whether they are young or old.

14. The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants – Max

Four teenage friends have spent nearly every summer together up until now, but those days of sisterhood come to an end as they go their separate ways. Through a pair of jeans, however, they stay connected during their separate vacations. The girls venture throughout the U.S., Mexico, and Greece. This is a wonderfully sweet film that reminds teenagers growing up that just because you’re on vacation and away from your friends doesn’t mean you’re still not connected with them. That’s easier to say in the era of social media, but its a message that this movie holds true.

13. Angela’s Christmas – Netflix

Starring Lucy O’Connell, this 2017 animated masterpiece is about the power of family and a child’s desire to keep everyone safe and sound during one Christmas eve. This is the perfect movie for a family with younger children.

12. Hotel Transylvania – Max

Even monsters need to have a vacation once in a while. Thankfully, Count Dracula built a castle to act as a hotel escape suitable for every monster imaginable, from tiny bugs to creatures so tall you can only see their feet. All are welcome in this animated farce that finds the vampire Dracula dealing with his daughter Mavis becoming a real woman and trying to combat issues with the misconceptions humans have about monsters.

11. Cheaper by the Dozen 2- Disney+

The 2005 sequel and American comedy film is about a family with twelve children as they go on vacation to a lake house. Steve Martin plays Tom who is unhappy to learn that his ultimate rival also has a house on the lake and loves showing off his success. The movie is a hilarious and yet very honest example of family vacations especially with large amounts of children on board.

10. Monte Carlo – Apple TV+

This innocuous teen fantasy is about Grace’s trip to Monte Carlo , with her best friend and stepsister. When they arrive, Grace (played by Selena Gomez) is mistaken as a British heiress. The movie shows a fairy tale level trip in which three girls get to play around with a rich and famous lifestyle that is not their own.

9. The Way Way Back – Max

The Way, Way Back is about Duncan who is vacationing at a beach house with his divorced mother, her dominating boyfriend, and his seeming witch-like daughter. While surviving in this environment, he ends up experiencing a summer that changes everything.

8. Vegas Vacation – Max

This 1997 comedy is the fourth movie in the National Lampoon’s Vacation series. This time, the Griswold family clan plans a perfect family vacation to the glitzy attractions and casinos of Las Vegas. Obviously, it doesn’t go according to plan.

READ MORE: 8 Movies Like The Big Lebowski and Where to Stream Them

7. Dirty Dancing – Paramount+

In this classic 80s movie , a young and innocent teenager named Baby travels with her family upstate to the Catskills for the summer. While they are at the resort, Baby meets and instantly falls for Johnny, the hotel dance instructor (played by Patrick Swayze). In a coming of age story full of serious moments, this should be restricted to teens and older for viewing. However, it is truly a great story in which you see a family vacation bring everyone closer together and help in the development of true character.

6. Home Alone – Disney+

Does anything need to be said about Home Alone ? You’ve no doubt watched it ten times already. It is a must-watch Christmas family-friendly flick that is easily one of the 10 best family vacation movies on this list. We all love to watch 8-year-old Kevin McCallister defend his home from burglars after being left home alone, by mistake. What follows is both hilarious and heart-warming, making it perfect for the whole family.

5. City Slickers – Apple TV+

Daniel Stern, Bruno Kirby, and Billy Crystal play three best friends that take a vacation from their wives. Trying to get out of the funk of a mid-life crisis, they decide to take a trip to the Southwest to have experience the manliness of a cattle drive. But even with the watchful eye of Jack Palance playing a seasoned cowboy, the trio will still find themselves in danger as they’re unprepared for the journey of traversing the western terrain with no experience.

4. Home Alone 2: Lost in New York – Hulu

Sure, parents seem to have vacations from their kids but what if the kid needs a vacation from the family? That’s exactly what Kevin receives in Home Alone 2 , where he takes the wrong flight and finds himself in New York City with his dad’s credit card. Making the most of a bad situation, Kevin grabs a hotel room, orders up room services, and takes in the many delights of the city, from the giant Christmas tree to the wondrous toy store. He even takes in a concert with the kindly pigeon lady of Central Park. Not a bad vacation, even if he must also best the returning robbers of Harry and Marv.

3. Letters to Juliet – Hulu

Amanda Seyfried plays a woman visiting Italy and finding the wall where the Shakespeare character of Juliet can be left notes of heartbreak. At the wall, she discovers a letter from 1957 left behind by a now-elderly author. The letter is enough to make Seyfried want to seek out the author’s lost love and bring hope back to an old lady’s heart, with some help from the woman’s grandson. Just because you’re on vacation in one of the most beautiful European cities doesn’t mean you can’t spread some love to others in this inspiring romantic comedy .

2. Joe Versus the Volcano – Apple TV+

While some may go on vacation to enjoy life, Joe seems to be trying to end his. In this comedy starring Tom Hanks and Med Ryan , Joe decides he wants to take a plunge into a volcano by going on the strangest of trips. Instead, he discovers a little more about life and love when guided by two sisters. It’s a sweetly and silly film considering its rather grim premise. Plus, we think anything starring Tom Hanks deserves to be top-40.

1. A Very Brady Sequel – Apple TV+

It’s guilty pleasures time. The Brady Bunch take their odd 1970s family values out of their modern suburban neighborhood and onto the Hawaiian islands. They’re on this trip to seek a stolen family possession but, let’s be honest, it’s mostly an excuse to take the silly and dated Brady Bunch mannerisms to a new setting. And it’s a lot of fun watching the Bradys get into all sorts of wild antics on this trip across the ocean, complete with Gary Cole delivering a spot-on performance as the husband and father, Mike Brady.

If you’re looking for an innocent family-friendly flick, one of the best vacation movies to laugh at is A Very Brady Sequel .

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Gone With The Family

Adventures in Family Travel

27 of the Best Movies About Family Vacations

At Home / March 17, 2021 by Lisa Goodmurphy / 3 Comments

Are you at home and missing travel or looking for inspiration to plan your next family trip? Then grab a bowl of popcorn and hit the road vicariously by watching a movie about a family vacation!

These 27 movies about family vacations include films that can be enjoyed by everyone as well as those that are best for families with older kids and teens and involve everything from camping trips, road trips, cruises, European vacations and more.

There are a couple of serious movies but most are comedies about trips that go so incredibly wrong that any of your travel mishaps will look minor in comparison! I have included a few that stretch the definition of “family” a bit but they’re still fun vacation movies.

I have noted whether the movie is available on Amazon Prime, Netflix or Disney+ and if it’s available to rent or purchase on Amazon Prime Video or iTunes/Apple TV. They might be available on other subscription services as well.

We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to  Amazon.com  and affiliated sites.   As an Amazon affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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Family-Friendly Movies About Family Vacations

These mostly G rated movies about family vacations are fun for the entire family.

The Lizzie McGuire Movie (2003)

Rated PG, 1h 35m

In this movie which served as the finale for the Disney Channel series, Lizzie McGuire (Hilary Duff) and her friends graduate middle school and travel to Italy on a class trip. While in Rome, Lizzie is mistaken for Isabella, Italy’s biggest pop diva, and falls for Paolo who is Isabella’s singing partner and former boyfriend. It’s not exactly a family vacation but it’s a fun travel movie with kids featuring great scenery in Rome!

Available to watch on Disney+ and to rent/buy on Prime Video or iTunes.

Cars 2 (2011)

Rated G, 1h 46 m

In this sequel to the original Pixar Cars movie, Lightning McQueen and best friend Mater head out on the road from Radiator Springs to compete in the World Grand Prix to determine the world’s fastest car and Mater gets caught up in international espionage. Their adventures take the pair to Tokyo, London, Paris and a fictional Italian city called Porto Corsa.

A Goofy Movie (1995)

Rated G, 1h 20m

Lovable Goofy bonds with his teenage son, Max, on a hilarious cross-country road trip in this Disney animated film. En route to their fishing destination they find themselves up to their ears in misadventure. The trip is Max’s worst nightmare but before it’s over he just might discover that his dad is not so bad.

Available to watch on Disney+, to rent on Prime Video and to rent/buy on iTunes.

Cheaper By The Dozen 2 (2005)

Rated PG, 1h 34m

Feeling the family is breaking apart as the children grow up and move away, Tom (Steve Martin) persuades the entire family to take one last family vacation together at Lake Winnetka in this hilarious sequel to Cheaper By The Dozen . 

Their dream vacation, however, turns into an outrageous competition with the overachieving family of Tom’s long-time rival played by Eugene Levy. If you haven’t seen the original movie then you might want to watch it first to familiarize yourself with the members of the Baker family.

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Diary of A Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul (2017)

Rated PG, 1h 32m

The Heffley family road trip to Meemaw’s 90th birthday party takes a wild detour thanks to Greg’s newest scheme to attend a video gaming convention. Based on a best-selling book series.

Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation (2018)

Rated PG, 1h 37m

It’s summer vacation and Dracula needs a break from the hotel business so he and his family embark on a luxury cruise ship vacation. When Dracula meets Ericka, the charming but mysterious captain of the monster cruise ship, it’s love at first sight but Ericka has a dangerous secret.

Available to watch on Netflix and to rent/buy on Prime Video or iTunes.

Rated PG, 1h 36m

Carl Fredericksen is a widower and retired balloon salesman who has dreamed all his life of visiting Paradise Falls in South America. Facing eviction to a retirement home and determined to make his dream come true, Carl ties thousands of balloons to his house and takes to the skies. But there’s one small complication – a Wilderness Explorer named Russell is an unexpected stowaway!

This Pixar film was the first animated feature to open the Cannes Film Festival and garnered a Best Picture Oscar nomination.

Available to watch on Disney+ and to rent/buy on Prime Video and iTunes.

Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992)

Rated PG, 2h

In this sequel, Kevin McAllister manages to get left behind once again when his family leaves on vacation. This time they are headed to Florida and he winds up on a flight to New York City by himself.

It’s not truly a family vacation, however, Kevin does check into a nice hotel (using his father’s credit card) and see some of the sights while trying to foil the intentions of the burglars from the first movie who have been released from prison and are planning to rob the city’s biggest toy store on Christmas Eve.

College Road Trip (2008)

Rated G, 1h 24m

Raven-Symone plays an ambitious high school student who is looking forward to a girls-only road trip around the country to find the perfect college. The dream trip soon turns into a wacky nightmare, however, when her overprotective father, played by Martin Lawrence, decides that he’s escorting her.

Available to watch Disney+ and to rent/buy on Prime Video and iTunes.

Movies About Family Vacations Suitable for Older Kids/Teens/Adults

These movies about family vacations have more mature themes and are suitable for older viewers.

Midnight in Paris (2011)

Rated PG (13+ with content advisories), 2h

In this Woody Allen film, Owen Wilson plays a screenwriter who is on a trip to Paris with his fiancée’s family and finds himself mysteriously going back to the 1920’s every day at midnight. I first watched this film just before our family trip to Paris and loved seeing the Parisian locations that we were looking forward to visiting especially the gardens at the Musée Rodin.

Available to watch on Amazon Prime and to rent/buy on iTunes.

The Man Who Knew Too Much (1956)

Rated 7+ Older Kids by Amazon, 1h 16m

This Alfred Hitchcock thriller stars James Stewart and Doris Day as two American tourists whose son is kidnapped while in Morocco and taken to England after they accidentally stumble on an assassination plot. The McKennas’ lives hang in the balance as they race to save their son with a chilling showdown in London’s Royal Albert Hall.

Available on Amazon Prime (with a STARZ subscription) and to rent/buy on iTunes.

Dirty Dancing (1987)

Rated PG-13 for mature themes and sexuality, 1 h 40m

While vacationing with her family at a resort in the Catskills in New York state in 1963, innocent Frances ‘Baby’ Houseman falls in love with the resort’s dance instructor, Johnny Castle. A classic coming of age movie from the ’80s with great music and choreography.

Available to watch on Netflix and to rent/buy on Prime Video or iTunes

Mr. Hobbs Takes a Vacation (1962)

Rated G , 1h 56m

James Stewart and Maureen O’Hara star in this comedy about a family vacation that doesn’t go according to plan. Mrs. Hobbs convinces her husband to escape their hectic city life by booking a seaside vacation with their children and grandchildren. One disaster after another befalls the family and Mr. Hobbs might need a vacation to recover from his vacation!

Available to rent/buy on Prime Video and iTunes.

National Lampoon’s Vacation (1983)

Rated either 14A or 18+, 1h 38m

This classic goofball comedy starring Chevy Chase was the first in the National Lampoon Vacation film series. The all-American Griswold family have planned an all-American summer vacation – a road trip across the country from their home in suburban Chicago to a theme park in California – but EVERYTHING goes wrong along the way!

Available to watch on Amazon Prime with STARZ subscription and to rent/buy on Prime Video and iTunes.

National Lampoon’s European Vacation (1985)

Rated PG and 16+, 1h, 33m

The Griswold family is back and they have won an all-expenses paid vacation tour in Europe in this sequel to National Lampoon’s Vacation. What could possibly go wrong? London, Paris, Germany and Rome will never be the same!

Available to watch on Amazon Prime with a STARZ subscription and to rent/buy on Prime Video and iTunes.

National Lampoon’s Vegas Vacation (1997)

The Griswold family hits the road again – this time to the land of slot machines and show girls – Las Vegas.

Vacation (2015)

Rated 14A or 18+, 1h 38m

The Griswold children have grown up and now the next generation is hitting the road for some family vacation bonding. A grown-up Rusty Griswold surprises his wife and kids with a cross-country trip to the theme park that he visited with his family in the first film.

Available to rent/buy on Prime Video or iTunes.

Little Miss Sunshine (2006)

Rated 14A or R, 1h 42m

When 7 year-old Olive (Abigail Breslin) gets an opportunity to compete in a beauty pageant in California, her entire quirky family hops in an unreliable Volkswagen bus to travel there from New Mexico.

The film was nominated for the Best Picture Oscar and won Best Original Screenplay. Alan Arkin also won for Best Supporting Actor and Breslin was nominated for Best Supporting Actress.

Available to watch on Disney+ and Amazon Prime with a STARZ subscription. Available to rent/buy on Prime Video and iTunes.

We’re the Millers (2013)

Rated 14A and 16+, 1h 50m

A small-time pot dealer needs to smuggle a shipment from Mexico to pay off a large debt to his supplier so he rounds up a fake family as a cover, rents an RV and hits the road for a 4th of July weekend south of the border. What could possibly go wrong?

Available to watch on Netflix and on Amazon Prime with a STARZ subscription. Available to rent/buy on Prime Video and iTunes.

Rated PG, 1h 38m

Workaholic Bob Munro, played by Robin Williams, convinces his family to cancel their Hawaiian vacation and spend some quality time together on a cross-country RV trip to the Rocky Mountains instead. Unbeknownst to the family, Bob’s true motive for the trip is attending a business meeting in Colorado but along the way he learns the true meaning of family.

The Great Outdoors (1988)

Rated PG, 1h 30m

John Candy and Dan Aykroyd star in this film about a family whose relaxing stay at a lakeside cabin is disrupted when the annoying in-laws crash the vacation.

Captain Ron (1992)

Rated 14A, 1h 40 m

In this 1990’s comedy, a stressed out executive played by Martin Short learns that he has inherited a yacht once owned by Clark Gable and travels to the Caribbean with his family to retrieve it. Captain Ron, a local sailor with both a questionable past and navigation skills, is hired to sail the family and the yacht back to Miami and the trip is anything but smooth sailing.

The Darjeeling Limited (2007)

Rated 14A, 1h 31m

In this comedy-drama directed by Wes Anderson, three estranged American brothers reunite a year after their father’s funeral for a spiritual journey across India on a luxury train.

Available to watch on Amazon Prime with a STARZ subscription. Available to rent/buy on Prime Video and iTunes.

What About Bob? (1991)

Rated PG, 1h 31m

Bill Murray and Richard Dreyfuss star in this film about an irritating patient who follows his psychotherapist who has left on a month-long vacation with his family at a lake in New Hampshire.

Like Father (2018)

Rated Mature, 1h 40m

Kristen Bell plays a workaholic advertising executive who is left at the altar and ends up going on her Caribbean honeymoon cruise with her estranged father played by Kelsey Grammar.

Available to watch on Netflix.

Lost in America (1985)

A satirical road comedy  film  starring Albert Brooks alongside Julie Hagerty as a married couple who decide to leave corporate America behind and travel across the country in a Winnebago.

Available to rent/buy on iTunes.

Johnson Family Vacation (2004)

Rated PG-13, 1h 37m

Nate Johnson (played by Cedric the Entertainer) sets out with three unruly kids and an unhappy wife on a cross-country road trip from California to Missouri for the family’s annual reunion.

Available to watch on Disney+ and on Amazon Prime with a STARZ subscription. Available to rent/buy on Prime Video and iTunes.

Do you have a favourite movie about family vacations? Let us know in the comments below.

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Reader Interactions

Harmony, Momma To Go

March 20, 2021 at 6:53 am

This was a fun list to scroll through – some movies I love from 80s/90s I want to rewatch with my kids (9 and. 12) – captain Ron I mean how funny! (Plus Caribbean wanderlust for sure) The Vacation movies are always a good choice, I think my kids are too young LOL I probably watched Vacation at their age.

Colleen Lanin

March 20, 2021 at 3:24 pm

Interesting list! I’ve only seen 10 of these. I’m adding Like Father to my viewing list!

October 16, 2021 at 9:49 am

This is such a great list! We have actually been at a stand-still with movies because I couldn’t figure out what to watch next. This is REALLY helpful because I can always get on board with a movie about a vacation and my daughter will LOVE that! Thanks for putting this together! – Linzey @thefamilyfuntour

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• Comedy Movies
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The 15 Best Family Vacation Movies of All Time, Ranked

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Holidays and vacations can produce some of our most vivid memories, both good and bad. Things can go picture-perfect and according to plan, or everything can fall apart in the worst ways.

In cinema, family vacations are always destined to go wrong. Whether it's due to a flat tire, nosy tourists, or family dysfunction, family vacation movies are so beloved because of all that drama.

For this list, we're counting family vacation movies as those with a core family at its center, consisting of two members or more—and if it leaves us with poignant memories and stirring lessons, all the better.

Here are our picks for the best movies about family vacations, from wacky comedies to heart-wrenching tearjerkers.

15. Rugrats in Paris (2000)

Directed by Stig Bergqvist and Paul Demeyer

Starring Christine Cavanaugh, Elizabeth Daily, Cheryl Chase

Animation, Adventure, Comedy (1h 18m)

6.1 on IMDb — 76% on RT

The Rugrats are always on vacation mode in their movies, but their trip to Paris in Rugrats in Paris stands out as the best, which focuses more on the cowardly Chuckie than anything else.

When the entire family goes on a last-minute trip to the City of Lights, Chuckie sees it as an opportunity to find a mom.

While younger audiences will be delighted by the outrageous hijinks and potty humor, there's ample amounts of heart in Chuckie's arc. Setting him on a wild journey across a romanticized Paris makes this one of the better children's movies with a family vacation.

14. We're the Millers (2013)

Directed by Rawson Marshall Thurber

Starring Jason Sudeikis, Jennifer Aniston, Emma Roberts

Comedy, Crime (1h 50m)

7.0 on IMDb — 48% on RT

We're the Millers snuck its way to becoming a cult favorite, with Will Poulter singing TLC's "Waterfalls" being a standout moment.

Generally, the road trip comedy follows a pot dealer (played by Jason Sudeikis) who persuades his neighbors—including stripper Rose (played by Jennifer Aniston)—to pose as his family while he smuggles drugs from Mexico.

This trip won't be easy, though, featuring issues like a broken RV, a tarantula bite, a prying couple, and a cartel boss after them. While flawed, We're the Millers keeps the "family" fun on the road.

13. Captain Ron (1992)

Directed by Thom Eberhardt

Starring Kurt Russell, Martin Short, Mary Kay Place

Adventure, Comedy (1h 40m)

5.8 on IMDb — 26% on RT

When a family asks a man named Captain Ron to sail them from the Caribbean to Miami, things turn out dangerously awesome.

Captain Ron stars Kurt Russell as the washed-up sailor who takes the Harvey family on his yacht to explore the Caribbean. Along the way, he butts heads with the father Martin (played by Martin Short) since the latter finds him shady and disingenuous.

Kurt Russell's performance as the titular mariner is a delight, nearly embodying the traits of the slacker/stoner archetype but lending his own charm.

Despite being a bumpy ride, Captain Ron is full of cool nonchalance that makes this film breezy and fun.

12. The Great Outdoors (1988)

Directed by Howard Deutch

Starring Dan Aykroyd, John Candy, Stephanie Faracy

Comedy (1h 31m)

6.6 on IMDb — 40% on RT

Putting two comedy giants in a vacation movie is a surefire formula for success. In the case of The Great Outdoors , we have two comic stars playing against type.

John Candy plays an innocent straight man while Dan Aykroyd plays a mischievous schemer. When their families cross paths at a lake resort, trouble ensues.

Between the rapid-fire antics and oneupmanship between Aykroyd and Candy, The Great Outdoors is a vacation movie that both celebrates and pokes fun at the concept of vacationing in... the great outdoors.

11. What About Bob? (1991)

Directed by Frank Oz

Starring Bill Murray, Richard Dreyfuss, Julie Hagerty

Comedy (1h 39m)

7.0 on IMDb — 82% on RT

In What About Bob? , Bill Murray plays an eccentric man named Bob, the patient of psychotherapist Dr. Leo Marvin (played by Richard Dreyfuss).

When Bob follows his doctor on vacation and befriends his family, Dr. Marvin is driven to the edge of his own sanity.

In this black comedy by Frank Oz, What About Bob? takes full advantage of the drama between pompous doctor and idiot savant.

While Murray is charming as a clueless man, Dreyfuss owns his role as the typical father who just wants peace on his vacation.

10. Mr. Hobbs Takes a Vacation (1962)

Directed by Henry Koster

Starring James Stewart, Maureen O'Hara, Fabian

Comedy, Family (1h 56m)

6.8 on IMDb — 80% on RT

Way back in the 1960s, vacation-centered movies were a staple in cinema, especially ones that were set on the beach. But if you want a full-on family vacation, James Stewart has one up his sleeve.

In Mr. Hobbs Takes a Vacation , James Stewart plays the titular father who desires nothing more than a peaceful holiday at the beach. However, his wife invites the entire family to join them.

What's meant to be a carefree and relaxing trip becomes a comedy of errors that calls for the fatherly James Stewart to resolve the Hobbs family's quandaries. He carries the film with his relatable energy and hilarious reactions to antics.

9. A Goofy Movie (1995)

Directed by Kevin Lima

Starring Bill Farmer, Jason Marsden, Jim Cummings

6.9 on IMDb — 61% on RT

Goofy has had his share of vacation moments where he—despite many mishaps—maintains a bright outlook and a smile on his face.

The best example of this remains A Goofy Movie , in which he embarks on a road trip with his son Max, not knowing that he's been misled to take him to nearby Los Angeles.

Typical vacation shenanigans are present here: tourist traps, failed fishing attempts, tracking down Bigfoot, and the car thrown into the river.

But what made this movie a cult classic is the timeless father-son bond between Goofy and Max that deeply connects to anyone's childhood.

8. Force Majeure (2014)

Directed by Ruben Östlund

Starring Johannes Kuhnke, Lisa Loven Kongsli, Clara Wettergren

Comedy, Drama (2h)

7.2 on IMDb — 93% on RT

With Force Majeure , we enter bleaker territory as far as movies about family vacations gone wrong.

This film by Ruben Östlund is most remembered for its infamous scene where an avalanche slams into a group of tourists dining on a mountainside deck. That avalanche ends up separating one Swedish family, who must find their way back to each other.

Force Majeure never relents in exposing the darkness beneath the pristine snow-covered scenery. Despite the idyllic Alps backdrop, reality sets in for husband-and-wife Tomas and Ebba, especially with regard to Tomas's unfaithfulness and Ebba's hysteria.

Disasters never take a vacation. In Force Majeure , disaster is an unwelcome and disturbing guest that joins in.

7. The Darjeeling Limited (2007)

Directed by Wes Anderson

Starring Owen Wilson, Adrien Brody, Jason Schwartzman

Adventure, Comedy, Drama (1h 31m)

7.2 on IMDb — 69% on RT

Director Wes Anderson gave us a kind of travelogue when he released The Darjeeling Limited .

Set in India, this film centers on three brothers—Francis (played by Owen Wilson), Peter (played by Adrien Brody), and Jack (played by Jason Schwartzman)—who convene for a "spiritual journey" aboard a train going across the countryside.

Even with its central conflict and recurring brotherly quarrels, The Darjeeling Limited is anchored by its lighthearted tone and stunning visuals that showcase India's hidden cultural gems.

Wes Anderson's typical quirkiness makes the film's themes of grief and spiritual peace resonate. There's a sense of Nirvana throughout, all the way to the film's iconic ending.

6. Dirty Dancing (1987)

Directed by Emile Ardolino

Starring Patrick Swayze, Jennifer Grey, Jerry Orbach

Drama, Music, Romance (1h 40m)

7.0 on IMDb — 72% on RT

Yes, Dirty Dancing counts as a family vacation movie! This one centers on a girl named Baby (played by Jennifer Grey) who's vacationing with her family but feels suffocated by them.

She ends up falling for summer dream boy Johnny Castle (played by Patrick Swayze), with whom she shares a love for dancing.

One thing this dance film successfully captures—like many of the best family vacation movies—is a sense of escapism. Baby finds it in Johnny and their passion for dance and it truly shows in every rehearsal.

5. On Golden Pond (1981)

Directed by Mark Rydell

Starring Katharine Hepburn, Henry Fonda, Jane Fonda

Drama (1h 49m)

7.6 on IMDb — 93% on RT

On Golden Pond is a film that emphasizes the father-daughter connection, with its emphasis made even stronger by starring a real-life father-daughter duo in Henry and Jane Fonda.

Based on the 1979 play, On Golden Pond explores the family dynamics between the cantankerous Norman and the strong-willed Chelsea. When Chelsea visits her parents at their cottage, Norman faces hardship over his old age and his daughter's independence.

Amidst idyllic scenery, Norman faces several dilemmas: with his marriage, with his relationship with his daughter, and with his acceptance of his new grandson Billy.

On Golden Pond is a rewarding journey that provides anyone watching with a renewed appreciation for family.

4. The Mitchells vs. The Machines (2021)

Directed by Michael Rianda and Jeff Rowe

Starring Abbi Jacobson, Danny McBride, Maya Rudolph

Animation, Adventure, Comedy (1h 54m)

7.6 on IMDb — 97% on RT

Imagine going on a family vacation, only to be roped into an epic tale where you end up saving the future.

The Mitchells vs. The Machines centers on the Mitchell family as they drive their teenager Katie (played by Abbi Jacobson) to college.

Along the way, however, they end up in the middle of a robot uprising. Meanwhile, Katie deals with the fallout from her father (played by Danny McBride).

While The Mitchells vs. The Machines leans into several road trip clichés, it also makes some serious flexes with its groundbreaking animation that incorporates many techniques as a celebration of film.

Yet, despite its technical prowess, the film never forgets its heart as a feel-good animated masterpiece with killer robots.

3. The Way, Way Back (2013)

Directed by Nat Faxon and Jim Rash

Starring Steve Carell, Toni Collette, Allison Janney

Comedy, Drama (1h 43m)

7.4 on IMDb — 84% on RT

The coming-of-age film The Way, Way Back makes a solid argument that even when everyone didn't have fun, it was worthwhile that everyone was searching for ways to have fun.

The story follows a shy boy named Duncan (played by Liam James) who reluctantly joins his mom (played by Toni Collette) and her arrogant boyfriend (played by Steve Carell) on a summer vacation trip to Massachusetts.

Feeling left out, he finds comfort in a nearby waterpark and befriends a lifeguard named Owen (played by Sam Rockwell).

A whimsical tale of self-discovery, The Way, Way Back emphasizes the values of friendship, family, and fondness for things like being too serious as a water slide attendant.

2. Aftersun (2022)

Directed by Charlotte Wells

Starring Paul Mescal, Frankie Corio, Celia Rowlson-Hall

Drama (1h 42m)

7.7 on IMDb — 96% on RT

Perhaps the most heartbreaking movie on this list, Aftersun is a stirring coming-of-age drama about an 11-year-old girl who goes on vacation with her absentee father (played by Paul Mescal).

During her stay, she keenly observes the culture of the place—as well as her father Calum's downward spiral.

Aftersun is an almost ethereal experience as this father-daughter pair are swept up by the atmosphere of Turkey. But beneath it all, there's emotional devastation between Sophie and her distant father.

Aftersun isn't your typical family vacation movie—it's a deeply moving one that will definitely stick with you.

1. National Lampoon's Vacation (1983)

Directed by Harold Ramis

Starring Chevy Chase, Beverly D'Angelo, Imogene Coca

Adventure, Comedy (1h 38m)

7.3 on IMDb — 94% on RT

The best movie about family vacations is an absolute classic that could even be considered the grandfather of family vacation movies.

Directed by John Hughes, National Lampoon's Vacation is based on John Hughes's own short story "Vacation '58" which he wrote for the National Lampoon magazine. The story details the cross-country hijinks that define the trip in this film.

The stars of the show are the Griswolds, whose patriarch Clark (played by Chevy Chase) longs to spend time with his family—by taking them across the country to a theme park named Walley World.

Along the way, they encounter a wacky cast of characters who push Clark to make the most of their family vacation.

Hilarious and heartfelt in equal measure, National Lampoon's Vacation is a comedy classic with an amazing legacy worth watching.

13 Hilarious Summer Comedy Movies And How To Watch Them

Ha, ha, hot!

Unless you are the kind of person who easily gets fed up by high-temperature weather, swarms of pesky insects, and the sound of fireworks displays keeping you up at night, it is a shame that we only get to experience the summer just once a year. Luckily, we have the advantage of vicariously living out the season of barbecues, baseball, and - most importantly - no school, anytime time of the year with the magic of movies.

Of course, not every movie set during the summer is the best option to conjure the season’s best memories (see great summer horror movies ). That is why we have compiled our favorite summer comedy movies, along with a tip on where to check them out on streaming or a digital rental or purchase, below - starting with one that is, arguably, the most essential of the bunch. 

The Sandlot (Amazon Prime, Disney+)

A lonely boy (Tom Guiry) discovers the joys of the season after making friends with a of group  baseball fanatics, who soon get themselves into a big “pickle” involving a prized baseball signed by Babe Ruth in the summer of 1962.

Why it is one of the best summer comedy movies: By presenting the story entirely from a child’s perspective, co-writer and director David Mickey Evans' 1993 family favorite captures most essential aspects of the summer with astonishing accuracy and achieves a spot among the best sports movies of all time, with credit due to the young  The Sandlot  cast ’s wonderful performances.

Stream The Sandlot on Amazon Prime . Stream The Sandlot on Disney+ .

The Bad News Bears (Cinemax)

A beer-swilling former major leaguer (Walter Matthau) accepts a job as the coach for a team of young misfits whom he struggles to mold into real athletes to compete against the other extremely competitive teams in their California little league.

Why it is one of the best summer comedy movies: Long before The Sandlot , the quintessential movie about youngsters running the bases during the summer (but not so much for the love of the game, that is) was 1976’s The Bad News Bears - director Michael Ritchie and writer Bill Lancaster’s hilarious and even inspiring underdog story that is still remembered as one of the best baseball movies of all time.

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Stream The Bad News Bears on Cinemax . Rent (or buy) The Bad News Bears on Amazon .

Heavyweights (Disney+)

An 11-year-old (Aaron Schwartz) finds himself surprisingly excited to be the new guy at a beloved youth weight-loss camp for the summer, until he and his new friends learn the devastating news that it has been bought out and rebranded by a sadistic fitness guru ( Ben Stiller ) and his loyal crew of barbaric trainers.

Why it is one of the best summer comedy movies: Speaking of hilarious and even inspiring underdog stories, the charming and sometimes a bit dark 1995 family comedy, Heavyweights, is a story about being happy with who you are, but also learning how to improve yourself, that was co-written and produced by Judd Apatow and features a talented young cast (including future SNL cast member Kenan Thompson ) alongside other future comedy superstars Stiller and Paul Feig.

Stream Heavyweights on Disney+ . Rent (or buy) Heavyweights on Amazon .

Wet Hot American Summer (Amazon Rental)

A lovestruck camp director (Janeane Garofalo) struggles to keep her crew of rowdy, hormonal counselors in order while taking care of unfinished business during their final day at Camp Firewood for the summer of 1981.

Why it is one of the best summer comedy movies: Speaking of summer camp movies featuring a cast of future comedy superstars , perhaps the definitive summer camp movie (but for adults) would have to be 2001’s Wet Hot American Summer - a hilariously raunchy cult favorite that inspired two Netflix original series - one a prequel and the other a sequel - from director David Wain, who also co-wrote with star Michael Showalter.

Rent (or buy) Wet Hot American Summer on Amazon .

Meatballs (Amazon Prime, Tubi)

As the annual, coveted Camp Olympics are approaching, the fun-loving head counselor ( Bill Murray ) decides to set aside his irresponsible, womanizing ways and try to whip his rowdy, hormonal, young campers into shape to break their longtime losing streak.

Why it is one of the best summer comedy movies: Long before Wet Hot American Summer , the definitive adult-oriented summer camp movie had to be 1979’s Meatballs - one of the late Ivan Reitman’s best movies (and his first collaboration with his friend, Murray) which went on to spawn three sequels.

Stream Meatballs on Amazon Prime . Stream Meatballs on Tubi .

The Great Outdoors (Amazon Rental)

A Chicago man (John Candy) sees his leisurely summer getaway in Wisconsin  interrupted by the unexpected arrival of his snobbish brother-in-law ( Dan Aykroyd ) and his own family, whose struggle to share the fun of this vacation is only worsened by a series of ridiculous incidents. 

Why it is one of the best summer comedy movies: Another fun movie about camping during the summer and starring a pair of Ivan Reitman movie veterans is 1998’s The Great Outdoors - a classic of the family vacation disaster comedy subgenre from writer John Hughes.

Rent (or buy) The Great Outdoors on Amazon .

National Lampoon’s Vacation (HBO Max)

A Chicago food additives and preservatives expert ( Chevy Chase ) sees his cross-country road trip to a beloved amusement park with his wife (Beverly D’Angelo), son (Anthony Michael Hall), and daughter (Dana Barron) quickly devolve into a desperate plea for fun, stability, and sanity when they fall prey to a series of maddening circumstances.

Why it is one of the best summer comedy movies: Of course, the crown jewel of the family vacation disaster comedy subgenre has to be the first (and, arguably, best) of the National Lampoon’s Vacation movies from 1983 - a timelessly relatable and boldly uproarious laugh riot from director Harold Ramis that was also written by John Hughes and is based on his own short story .

Stream National Lampoon’s Vacation on HBO Max . Rent (or buy) National Lampoon’s Vacation on Amazon .

The Way Way Back (HBO Max)

A shy teen (Liam James) spends the summer with his mother ( Toni Collette ) and her domineering boyfriend (Steve Carell) at the boyfriend’s beach house in Cape Cod, where he receives a job and some much-needed mentorship from the affable manager of a nearby water park (Sam Rockwell).

Why it is one of the best summer comedy movies: A more recent and more grounded instant classic of the summer vacation comedy subgenre (and one of the dysfunctional family variety as well) is 2013’s The Way Way Back - an inspiring and romantic coming-of-age story written and directed by the Academy Award-winning duo of Nat Faxon and Jim Rash.

Stream The Way Way Back on HBO Max . Rent (or buy) The Way Way Back on Amazon .

Moonrise Kingdom (HBO Max)

A police captain (Bruce Willis), the local scoutmaster (Edward Norton), and other citizens of a small island community desperately search for an orphaned 12-year-old boy (Jared Gilman) and a girl of the same age (Kaya Hayward) who have run away together after becoming smitten with each other in early 1960s New England.

Why it is one of the best summer comedy movies: Probably the greatest romantic coming-of-age comedy I have ever seen and my personal favorite Wes Anderson movie is 2012’s Moonrise Kingdom - a visually dazzling and uniquely hilarious celebration of youth that earned Anderson and Roman Coppola an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Screenplay.

Stream Moonrise Kingdom on HBO Max . Rent (or buy) Moonrise Kingdom on Amazon .

Dazed And Confused (Peacock Premium)

On the last day of school, a group high school students on the cusp of their senior year and others who just became freshman celebrate their freedom with a night of debauchery in 1976 Austin, Texas.

Why it is one of the best summer comedy movies: Taking place at the very beginning of the summer season is one of writer and director Richard Linklater’s most acclaimed experiments with time, 1993’s Dazed and Confused - a brilliant party movie with and a wicked cast of future A-listers (such as Ben Affleck and Matthew McConaughey) that boasts an invigorating soundtrack of classic hits from the 1970s.

Stream Dazed And Confused on Peacock Premium . Rent (or buy) Dazed And Confused on Amazon .

American Graffiti (Amazon Rental)

On their last night before going off to college, a group of teenagers enjoy one last night of freedom and debauchery cruising the streets of Northern California in 1962.

Why it is one of the best summer comedy movies: Taking place at the very end of the summer season is one of the best George Lucas movies outside of the Star Wars franchise, 1973’s American Graffiti - a beautiful love letter to a lost generation featuring a stunning cast of future A-listers (such as Ron Howard and Harrison Ford) and a heart-swelling collection of needle drops from the ‘50s and ’60s.

Rent (or buy) American Graffiti on Amazon .

Summer School (Showtime)

A lazy, fun-loving gym teacher (future NCIS star Mark Harmon ) is forced to abandon his vacation plans when he is selected to instruct remedial English for his school’s summer program.

Why it is one of the best summer comedy movies: The only movie on our list of summer movies in which the majority of the story actually takes place during school is the aptly title Summer School - an underrated 1987 comedy directed by the legendary Carl Reiner.

Stream Summer School on Showtime . Rent (or buy) Summer School on Amazon .

One Crazy Summer (1986)

While on a Nantucket retreat with his friends before going off to art school, an aspiring cartoonist (John Cusack) crosses paths with an aspiring singer (Demi Moore) who's on the run from a biker gang and ends up helping her save her grandfather's estate from greedy developers.

Why it is one of the best summer comedy movies: Also starring the uproarious Bobcat Goldthwait, writer and director Savage Steve Holland's One Crazy Summer is one of the most uproarious comedies of the 1980s and one of the best John Cusack movies for simply keeping the promise its title makes from beginning to end.

Stream One Crazy Summer on Starz . Rent (or buy) One Crazy Summer on Amazon .

No matter what happens, your summer can always can be one of fun and laughter with any of these hilarious classics.

Jason Wiese writes feature stories for CinemaBlend. His occupation results from years dreaming of a filmmaking career, settling on a "professional film fan" career, studying journalism at Lindenwood University in St. Charles, MO (where he served as Culture Editor for its student-run print and online publications), and a brief stint of reviewing movies for fun. He would later continue that side-hustle of film criticism on TikTok (@wiesewisdom), where he posts videos on a semi-weekly basis. Look for his name in almost any article about Batman.

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Best Road Trip Movies to Watch With Your Family During the Holidays

The holidays are all about family, road trips and food. After you’ve all eaten, sit down with the relatives and celebrate the great American tradition with one of these classic open-road movies.

Related To:

Road trips and Thanksgiving are about as American as you can get, and late in November the two collide. According to the Automobile Club of America's (AAA) latest stats, about 48 million Americans will journey 50 miles or more from home on Thanksgiving weekend (Wednesday to Sunday).

To celebrate the upcoming holidays, we compiled a list of our favorite movies that take place on the open road. Some of these road trips are not just physical but also personal life-changing journeys that will make you think and may help spark some deep conversations with your fellow viewers. So, drive safely and once you get to your destination, sit back with the fam and enjoy one of these classic road trip movies.

Planes_Trains-075

Steve Martin and John Candy sit in a destroyed car in a scene from the film 'Planes, Trains & Automobiles', 1987. (Photo by Paramount/Getty Images)

Photo by: Paramount Pictures, FotoWare fotostation

Paramount Pictures, FotoWare fotostation

Planes, Trains and Automobiles

John Candy was the master of the obnoxious-but-loveable oaf. In this movie, he plays a shower-curtain-ring salesman who annoys the living daylights out of Steve Martin’s straight-laced character. The two meet when they’re both trying to get home for Thanksgiving and a freak snowstorm turns the few-hour journey into a multi-day comic escapade. It’s rated R for some profanity and probably the “those aren’t pillows” scene.

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Photo by: Fotos International

Fotos International

Thelma and Louise 

What starts out as a girls' weekend turns into two outlaws on the lam. Geena Davis and Susan Sarandon are so cool and they totally rock those 1990s high-waisted jeans. This is probably one of the most famous road trip movies ever. And because of it, there’s a lot of interesting trivia about it, like this interesting tidbit: It’s well known that this movie catapulted Brad Pitt to fame, but he was such a no-name at the time he was paid just $6,000 for his role. Even more interesting, George Clooney was one of the actors Pitt beat out to play the sexy cowboy/crook role.

(Original Caption) 11/3/1962- Members of the cast of the United Artists movie "It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World." L to r: Edie Adams, Sid Caesar, Phil Silvers, Dorothy Provine, Ethel Merman, Milton Berle, Dick Shawn, Terry-Thomas, Mickey Rooney (front); Buddy Hackett, Jonathan Winters, Spencer Tracy, Peter Falk and Eddie "Rochester" Anderson. They were rehearsing a scene for the zany film.

Photo by: Bettmann

It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World

If you want to watch a movie with your grandparents, try this zany farce that was made back in 1962. Anybody who was anybody in Hollywood at that time is in this movie – everyone from Spencer Tracy to the Three Stooges – so it’ll be a nice bit of nostalgia for older family members. It’s also a fun movie for kids, it’s silly and there are no f-bombs or “adult” scenes.

London, England - May 23, 2014: Side view of the door handles of an old VW bus in London, England.

Photo by: Spiderstock

Spiderstock

Little Miss Sunshine

You can’t help but fall in love with this quirky family, especially the adorable beauty-pageant contestant Olive and her foul-mouth grandpa. There are a bunch of good quotes in this movie too: Like when the dad gets pulled over by the cops and says “everyone, just... pretend to be normal,” (like we all haven’t wanted to say that to our family). Or the touching moment when grandpa tells Olive, “A real loser is someone who's so afraid of not winning he doesn't even try.” This movie is rated R and once you hear all the profanity you’ll know why.

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Peter Fonda as Wyatt and Dennis Hopper as Billy in Easy Rider

Photo by: Silver Screen Collection

Silver Screen Collection

Probably the most iconic road trip movie ever. Made in 1969, it symbolizes the counterculture of that war-time era. Parts of the movie may feel dated, but the message still resonates today. If you have a relative who lived through the 60s, watch this movie with them to get more insight into that time period.

Hudson Hornet during Premiere of Disney Pixar's "CARS" at Lowe's Motor Speedway at Lowe's Motor Speedway in Charlotte, NC, United States. (Photo by E. Charbonneau/WireImage for Disney Pictures)

Photo by: E. Charbonneau

E. Charbonneau

For the younger set, the best road trip movie is Cars, the first one. The sequels aren’t bad, but the original is the best. This is one flick the whole family can watch. It’s got a great message and cute characters for the kids, there are plenty of jokes for the adults, and Paul Newman as Hudson Hornet is so worth your time.

Promotional poster showing the cast of the film, 'Diner,' directed by Barry Levinson, 1982. (L-R) Daniel Stern, Mickey Rourke, Steve Guttenberg, Kevin Bacon and Tim Daly. (Photo by MGM Studios/Coutesy of Getty Images)

Photo by: MGM Studios

MGM Studios

Directed by Barry Levinson this movie has an amazing ensemble including very early appearances by Kevin Bacon, Mickey Rourke, Steve Guttenberg, Daniel Stern, Tim Daly and Ellen Barkin. Not really a road-trip movie so much as a returning-home movie. The story is set between Christmas and New Year in 1959 (so holiday subtext is built in) and, like several other of Levinson’s movies (see also "Tin Men" and "Avalon"), takes place in his hometown of Baltimore and relies far more on dialog than on action. But great dialog. Basically, it’s just a circle of guy friends, at a crossroads phase in their lives, sitting around talking about random funny stuff and getting themselves into some oddball situations. It’s kinda like "Summer of ’42" but with older principals and without the romantic underpinning. Quirky, smart, nostalgic and probably one of the more quotable movies ever. It's rated R for language and some sexually frank dialog and situations.

National_Lampoon_Vacation-001

Actress Dana Barron, actor Anthony Michael Hall, actress Beverly D'Angelo and actor Chevy Chase pose for the Warner Bros. movie "National Lampoon's Vacation" in 1983. (Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)

Photo by: Michael Ochs Archives, FotoWare fotostation

Michael Ochs Archives, FotoWare fotostation

National Lampoon’s Vacation

Most folks watch the Griswold’s Christmas movie during the holidays, but again, when it comes to sequels, they never quite stand up to the original. Like “Thelma and Louise” this iconic movie is filled with interesting production trivia. Did you know they used five different Family Trucksters (green-paneled station wagons) during the filming? Also, John Candy was not originally part of the movie. After the filming was over, the producer, Harold Ramis wanted a better ending, so they went back to the drawing board and reshot the Wally World scenes with Candy. Although this movie seems tame, it’s actually rated R probably because of Cousin Eddie.

Dan Aykroyd holds a microphone standing next to John Belushi in a scene from the film 'The Blues Brothers', 1980. (Photo by Universal Pictures/Getty Images)

Photo by: Archive Photos

Archive Photos

Blues Brothers 

You can say this is not actually a road trip movie since they never leave the Chicago area, but it feels road tripy with all the stops they make and roadblocks they encounter like evading the cops, the Nazis, a country-western band in a Winnebago and of course, Carrie Fisher. This movie is one to watch over and over again because of the fantastic soundtrack (especially Aretha Franklin and Ray Charles!), quotable lines ("Our Lady of Blessed Acceleration, don't fail me now"), and the scene where John Candy orders a round of orange whips.

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"Rain Man" starring Dustin Hoffman and Tom Cruise a 1988 American comedy-drama film. (Photo by: Universal History Archive/UIG via Getty images)

Photo by: Universal History Archive

Universal History Archive

Like many road trip movies, the main characters often change as a result of their journey. In this Oscar-winning movie, Charlie Babbitt (Tom Cruise) is a shifty yuppie, wheeler-and-dealer type (the typical 1980s villain). When his estranged father dies, Babbitt discovers he has a long-lost brother (played by Dustin Hoffman) who is a severely autistic savant. After the two drive cross-country together, Cruise’s character turns a bit soft and becomes more human and less of a total creep. This one is rated R for language and a few adult scenes.

Straight Desert Road

Photo by: 4kodiak

Lost In America

Ad exec David Howard (Albert Brooks) and his timid wife (Julie Haggerty) decide to chuck it all and go on the road –based on David’s momentary epiphany that they can spend their “retirement” in search of the real America – just like those two guys in (what else?) "Easy Rider". Only in this case, they’re traveling in a Winnebago (complete with microwave with browning feature) rather than astride two chrome choppers. Once the two hit the road, things quickly go profoundly awry in a hilarious way that only Albert Brooks, with his deadpan but razor-sharp wit, can deliver. It’s the ultimate road-trip-gone-wrong movie and deadly funny throughout, but worth the ride for two amazing scenes with Brooks at their center. The first is at the outset and is perhaps the funniest “I quit!” scene ever filmed. Not to give too much away about the second, but watch for the one with the Vegas hotel manager played by film director Garry Marshall. It's rated R for language, but fairly tame – probably okay for teens.

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11 Best Road Trips Movies of All Time

Nov 9, 2020

See recent posts by Katja Gaskell

If your next family vacation in the car , requires some in-seat entertainment, watch one of these road trip movies  on a tablet or portable DVD player (yes, they still exist!). Or go on the adventure of a lifetime without ever leaving your couch! Sometimes we like to travel from the comfort of our own homes, and  road trip movies make that both possible and enjoyable. Plus, you don’t have the kids asking “ are we nearly there yet? ”! From old-school movies that you probably watched as a kid to modern-day animations, these 11 road trip movies will make you laugh, cry, and inspire you to book your next family vacation!

1. National Lampoon’s Vacation

The king of road trip movies has to be National Lampoon’s Vacation . This cross-country caper starring Chevy Chase might look a little dated, but it’s as funny today as it was when it first came out in 1983. In this movie, the Griswold family, led by an ever-optimistic Clark and his long-suffering wife, Ellen, decided to drive from Chicago to California to visit Walley World. No sooner do they hit the road in their station wagon when disaster strikes. They get lost, they pick up an extra passenger (Aunt Edna and her dog), there’s a robbery and, when they finally arrive at the fabled theme park, it’s closed.

Related: This Way to Walley World: 3 Ways to Recreate a Griswold Vacation

2. Finding Nemo

The best road trip movie that has nothing to do with cars has to be Finding Nemo . This Disney Pixar movie about the young clownfish Nemo and his sidekick, Dory, is a heart-warming and funny adventure movie underwater. Nemo escapes from the dentist’s aquarium, battles the open ocean, encounters many a dangerous sea creature—and plenty of friendly ones, too—and is eventually reunited with his dad. It’s a wonderful tale of friendship and believing in yourself.

3. Little Miss Sunshine

Undoubtedly one of the best road trip movies on Amazon Prime is Little Miss Sunshine . The story focuses on seven-year-old Olive and her dream of winning the Little Miss Sunshine beauty pageant. In order to make this dream come true, her dysfunctional family sets off in an old VW van on a road trip from Albuquerque to California. Misadventures and mishaps take place along the way, largely owing to the families’ own quirks and neuroses. It’s sad, it’s funny, and will ultimately make you realize the importance of family—even if they drive you crazy sometimes.

Related: U.S. Road Trips Kids Should Experience Before They Grow Up  

4. Planes, Trains & Automobiles

Another oldie but goodie road trip movie is the 1987 Planes, Trains and Automobiles . Led by Steve Martin and John Candy, this movie follows the trials and tribulations of advertising executive Neal Page, who’s trying to fly home to Chicago to spend Thanksgiving with his family. Unfortunately, a sudden snowstorm forces his plane to land in Wichita. This results in a three-day road trip with Del Griffith, a shower curtain ring salesman who appears, initially, to be the worst kind of travel companion.

5. The Muppet Movie

When Kermit is approached by a talent scout, he dreams of making it big in Hollywood and sets off to seek fame, fortune and the chance to make “millions of people happy.” No sooner does our froggy friend leave his Florida swamp, however, when he is pursued by Doc Hopper, who wants him to be a spokesperson for the fried frog legs at his restaurant chain. Along the way, Kermit meets Fozzie, Gonzo and Miss Piggy, who help him escape Doc Hopper’s clutches and eventually make it to Hollywood. The Muppet Movie is a fun, family-friendly road trip movie that will have everyone laughing out loud.

6. Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

If only every real-life road trip could be in a car like Chitty Chitty Bang Bang . This wonderful tale of the eccentric inventor Caractacus Potts and his incredible flying car is still a popular road trip movie today, even more than half a century after it was first released. At a seaside picnic one day, Potts tells his two children a fanciful tale of a far-off land, ruled by the evil Baron Bomburst. Off the family go in their magical flying—and self-driving—car to save their grandfather from the tyrannical leader of the fictional land, Vulgaria.

Some people might argue that Cars 2 is not as good as the first movie, but we say this cartoon adventure is excellent, and one of the best road trip movies around. In this escapade, Lightning McQueen and his tow-truck buddy, Mater, head overseas for the first-ever World Grand Prix. While McQueen gets serious about the race, Mater gets caught up in an international spy conspiracy that takes him—and the story—to Tokyo, London , Paris , and the newly invented Italian town of Porto Corsa. The animation is stunning, the jokes and one-liners are funny, and there’s a good moral about looking out for your friends, too.

8. Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey

Prepare to have your heartstrings pulled in this lovely tale of three pets searching for their masters. Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey is one of the best road trip movies on Amazon Prime and tells the tale of Shadow, a wise golden retriever; Chance, a lively American bulldog puppy, and Sassy, a weight-conscious Himalayan Cat. The trio is placed in a Californian ranch when their owners are transferred for work to San Francisco . No one is happy about the arrangement, however, and they soon set off in search of their family. It’s an adventure that’s filled with excitement, surprises, and more than one nail-biting encounter.

9. College Road Trip

This is the perfect road trip movie for any parent who’s struggling with the idea of their children growing up. Independent Melanie Porter can’t wait to go on her girls-only road trip to check out colleges. The only trouble is, her overprotective father, James. When he decides to tag along, mishaps and misadventures ensue. Her brother—and his pet pig—stow away in the trunk, James borrows and totals a police car, and later crashes a hotel wedding. College Road Trip  is a fun story about growing up and letting go.

10. Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa

The funniest castaways on-screen are back in this madcap adventure to Africa. In Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa , Alex, Marty, Melman, and Gloria attempt to return to New York , but their plane crash lands in Africa, where more zany shenanigans follow. Alex is reunited with his parents, Marty finds a herd of Zebra who look and sound like him, Melman becomes the local witch doctor and Gloria falls (temporarily) head-over-heals with the smooth-talking hippo, Moto Moto. The penguins provide the biggest belly laughs in this cartoon caper that parents will love just as much as kids.

11. Mr. Bean’s Holiday

Hilarious hijinks prevail when the bumbling Mr. Bean attempts to go on holiday in the south of France in Mr. Bean’s Holiday . Having won a trip to Cannes, he sets off only to find that nothing goes according to plan. He unwittingly separates a young boy from his father and spends the rest of the movie trying to reunite them. Along the way, there are cultural misunderstandings, unfortunate coincidences, language problems, and much more. It’s very silly but guaranteed to make you laugh.

Related: Road Trip Hacks Every Family Needs

Katja Gaskell is a travel writer and family travel blogger based in London, U.K. after 12 years on the road in Australia, India and Mexico. She has written guidebooks for Lonely Planet, reviewed hotels for the British boutique hotel site Mr & Mrs Smith and has contributed articles to publications including BBC Food, Angels & Urchins, Lonely Planet online and more. She is also the European Editor of Twist Travel Magazine. Katja is a firm believer that you can – and should! – travel with your kids everywhere. Find Katja on her own site globetotting.com  and on Instagram @globetotting . 

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Mum's Little Explorers

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20 Travel Movies for Family Movie Night

by mumslittleexplorers · April 1, 2021

Here you can find 20 Travel Movies for families. Inspire your kids to travel and learn about different places and cultures with these travel movies which are perfect for a family movie night.

Best Travel Movies for Families

Here you can find movies about travel and culture for the whole family to enjoy. They are great for when you can’t travel or just dreaming of travel! If you would like to see our list of younger kids travel movies, check out our Travel Movies for Kids post.

1. Home Alone: Lost in New York (1992) PG

Probably one of the well known and best travel movies for families. A sequel to the movie of the same name, Kevin once again finds himself accidentally without his family during Christmas, but this time in the bustling concrete jungle of New York City. He comes across the same burglars, who’s trying to steal from a toy store. With determination and a little creativity, he fends off the two burglars. Full of creative tricks that will amuse the whole family, this movie shows that traveling on vacation, or staying home, is not quite the same without good friends and family. The rating is for some uses of profanity, and show of violence.

2. Sound of Music (1965) G

A beloved musical drama film based on the stage musical of the same name, Sound of Music is a classic travel movie for families. It’s about Maria, a young postulant in Salzburg, Austria whose love for music and imagination puts her at odds with the rules among the nuns. She soon becomes hired as a governess to take care of seven unruly children of a retired naval officer, George. A wholesome movie for the whole family that encourages love for music and the outdoors.

3. Paddington (2014) PG

Paddington, of an unusually intelligent species of bear, lives with his aunt and uncle in Peru. After an earthquake destroys their home and his uncle dies, Paddington travels to London to find a new home. His experience is not what he dreamed it would be – until he meets the Brown family, who take him in. A warm, charming, delightful travel movie appropriate for the whole family.

4. Hugo (2011) PG

A young boy named Hugo Cabret in Paris, continues repairing a broken automaton of a mechanical man that his father found and was working on before he died. He meets a young girl named Isabelle, and together they unlock the mystery behind the automaton which ties to her godfather Georges Méliès’ memories and regrets. A movie that encourages embracing your past experiences and making good memories.

5. Cool Runnings (1993) PG

A Jamaican sprinter, Derice Bannock, recruits three others to join him in forming the first Jamaican bobsled team for the Winter Olympics. He also convinces an old friend of his father, formerly disgraced Olympian Irv Blitzer, to train them. They travel to train in Canada, where they struggle to be seen as equals by the other bobsledding teams. A fun movie that shows there is no limit to what you can achieve and to where you can go. The rating is for some profanity in this movie (hell, damn, butt, asshole, two-dollar hooker, bad-ass).

6. Mr. Bean’s Holiday (2007) G

Britishman Mr. Bean travels to France after winning a vacation and a video camera through a raffle. With the camera, he records his travels through France where he unknowingly separates a young boy from his father, who reports the boy as kidnapped. Despite his struggle with the language and losing his wallet and passport, Mr. Bean develops some meaningful relationships. A laugh-out-loud movie set in the beautiful country of France. There is some profanity in other languages (connard, shithead in French. “Damn” in Russian) and use of “darn” and “heck”.

7. Parent Trap (1998) PG

Two identical twins, Annie and Hallie, are separated shortly after birth after their parents divorced. Each parent raised one twin each — one in California , the other in London — who have not seen each other until they meet at summer camp. They soon discover they’re twins and swap places to get to know the other parent. This will encourage children to imagine how it’s like to be in someone else’s shoes, especially one who’s not from the same part of the world as them. Kids can also get to know two different cities.

8. Around the World in 80 Days (1956) G

Englishman Phileas Fogg relies on his precision and bets it all that he can circumnavigate the world in eighty days. Together with his French valet, Passepartout, they begin their journey from Paris in a hot air balloon. They encounter unforeseen challenges along the way while racing to reach their deadline.

9. Queen of Katwe (2016) PG

Based on the true story of a young girl named Phiona Mutesi who lives in Katwe, a slum in Kampala, Uganda. When she proves to be a talent at chess, it becomes a hope for her out of poverty. This travel movie for families shows her triumphs and challenges navigating through poverty and self-doubt, where she eventually prevails. A hopeful story about determination overcoming difficult circumstances that will inspire younger children.

10. National Treasure (2004) PG

Benjamin Franklin Gates, a historian and treasure hunter, is in a race against others to find the “national treasure,” believed to be hidden by the Founding Fathers in the United States, and with clues all over the country. They find a clue in the lost ship Charlotte that leads them to a map to the treasure decoded on the Declaration of Independence. Folks, young and old, will enjoy seeing some of the landmarks in the United States. The movie uses some profanity so probably not suited for really young kids.

11. Swiss Family Robinson (1960) G

A Swiss family from Bern consisting of a father, mother and their three sons are on their way to New Guinea when they are shipwrecked to an uninhabited tropical island following a pirate attack on their ship. Unable to leave, the family has to be resourceful and build a home on the island to protect them from the wildlife and pirates roaming the seas. “Swiss Family Robinson” is a fun movie that will inspire kids to imagine an everyday life from scratch.

12. Wizard of Oz (1939) PG

A family movie night favourite that has lasted generations. A young girl stuck on a farm in Kansas who dreams of a more exciting life somewhere over the rainbow. When a tornado hits, she gets her wish when she and Toto wake up in another land with flying monkeys and witches, scarecrows, scared lions, and even a town of Munchkins in a green Emerald City. The movie’ s main message is that you go out and see the world, and have great experiences, but in the end, there’s no place like home where you have your family and friends.

13. Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (1968) G

Caractacus Potts is a poor, eccentric inventor in England. He scrapes enough money to buy a formerly legendary car after his two children, Jeremy and Jemima, plead with him to buy it. He transforms the broken down car into a beautiful car they call the Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. With it, they rescue Caractacus’ father and go on beautiful adventures. “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” is a fun classic that will inspire kids’ imagination as they go on car rides.

14. Children of Heaven (1997) PG

In South Tehran, Ali lives with his little sister Zahra and their parents. One day, Ali accidentally loses Zahra’s only pair of shoes. Knowing they can’t afford to buy a new pair of shoes, Ali is too scared to tell his parents. The film is a series of adventures as Ali first tries to share his only pair of shoes with his sister and then tries to find a way to get her a new pair of shoes. At the heart of this movie is a young boy’s love for his family. The movie uses some profanity (shit, damn, hell).

15. Pele: Birth of a Legend (2016) PG

The biographical film chronicles the rise of legendary Brazilian soccer player Pelé. Pelé grew up in poverty, in the slums of Sao Paolo, Brazil. Guided by manager Civente Feola and with his amazing skills, Pelé would go on to lead Brazil to its first World Cup victory in 1958 at the age of only 17. An inspiring film about the journey of an inspiring man. The film uses mild profanity.

16. The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind (2019) TV-PG

This travel movie for families is based on the true story of young William Kamkuamb in Malawi. William has a love for and talent in science, and continues to study it even after his family could no longer afford to send him to school. After his village is hit by drought and famine, he uses books from the school library and recruits the help of his father to build a windmill to power a water pump they could use to sow crops, and save them from starvation. William shows how even one boy’s determination can make life thrive even where the odds are against it.

17. Vicky the Viking (Wikie und die starken Männer) (2009) Not rated

Vicky, a young viking boy, who lives in the small village of Flake accompanies his father and his men on their adventures. He is timid and often scared. So instead of physical strength, he has to rely on his intelligence and creativity to save the day, rewriting what strong and what being a good viking means. This movie will inspire children from all over the world to explore the Scandinavian countries.

18. Like Stars on Earth, Every Child is Special (2007) PG

In India, Ishaan Awasthi is a young dyslexic boy. The things he cares about are rarely what the adults appreciate. And so, he struggles to do well in school and be understood, and is soon sent to a boarding school. There, he meets an unconventional art teacher who helps him make that journey to becoming understood. A moving story about a young boy who just needed to be seen.

19. Africa United (2019) N/A

Three Rwandan kids walk 3000 miles from their own country to South Africa so that Fabrice can audition to be part of the opening ceremony of the 2010 Soccer World Cup. They encounter people who help them in their journey and encounter hard realities along the way of refugee camps, child sex slavery/prostitution, and HIV/AIDS. Despite sad circumstances brought up in the movie, it is entertaining in the way humor is used, and hopeful because of the kindness of the people they meet along the way. There are few uses of the word “shit.”

20. Viva Cuba (2005) Not rated

In Cuba, Malú is a young girl from a middle-class family raised by a single mother while Jorgito is a young boy from a poor family with a socialist mother and alcoholic father. Their parents forbid them to see each other, but they underestimate the children’s bond as together, they travel to the other side of the island to find Malú’s father to get him to help them prevent Malú from moving out of the country. Some suggestions of nudity and mild nudity.

Movies about Travel for Kids & Families

We hope you have enjoyed this list of travel movies for families. Movie nights make a great family tradition to start. Perhaps we have inspired you and your kids to embark on a new adventure to discover a different language, culture, or destination! Let us know of any other movies about travel for kids that you can recommend, or any other travel movies you have watched lately! For more animated options for younger kids, check out our Travel movies for kids post .

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EXPLORE WITH KIDS

At Mum’s Little Explorers, you can find family friendly events and activities for kids in and around Melbourne, as well as family travel ideas and inspiration.

We also feature lots of fun activities for kids that you can do at home and reviews of products and travel gear.

Contact us: [email protected]

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100 Summer, Vacation, and Beach Movies

Movies that embrace that summer feeling with beaches, vacations, romance, fun, and sun ☼☼☼☼☼☼☼☼☼☼☼☼☼☼☼☼☼☼☼☼

• Movies or TV
• IMDb Rating
• In Theaters
• Release Year

1. The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants (2005)

PG | 119 min | Comedy, Drama, Romance

Four best girlfriends hatch a plan to stay connected with one another as their lives start off in different directions: they pass around a pair of secondhand jeans that fits each of their bodies perfectly.

Director: Ken Kwapis | Stars: Amber Tamblyn , Alexis Bledel , America Ferrera , Blake Lively

Votes: 65,004 | Gross: $39.01M

2. The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2 (2008)

PG-13 | 119 min | Comedy, Drama, Romance

Four college freshmen and best friends find that it may take more than a shared pair of jeans to help them stay in touch as their lives go in different directions.

Director: Sanaa Hamri | Stars: America Ferrera , Alexis Bledel , Amber Tamblyn , Blake Lively

Votes: 30,750 | Gross: $44.09M

3. Mamma Mia! (2008)

PG-13 | 108 min | Comedy, Musical, Romance

The story of a bride-to-be trying to find her real father told using hit songs by the popular 1970s group ABBA .

Director: Phyllida Lloyd | Stars: Meryl Streep , Pierce Brosnan , Amanda Seyfried , Stellan Skarsgård

Votes: 274,125 | Gross: $144.13M

4. The Notebook (2004)

PG-13 | 123 min | Drama, Romance

An elderly man reads to a woman with dementia the story of two young lovers whose romance is threatened by the difference in their respective social classes.

Director: Nick Cassavetes | Stars: Gena Rowlands , James Garner , Rachel McAdams , Ryan Gosling

Votes: 619,779 | Gross: $81.00M

5. My Girl (1991)

PG | 102 min | Comedy, Drama, Family

Vada is obsessed with death. Her mother is dead, and her father runs a funeral parlor. When Vada's father hires Shelly, a makeup expert, and begins to fall in love, Vada is outraged and does everything in her power to split them up.

Director: Howard Zieff | Stars: Anna Chlumsky , Macaulay Culkin , Dan Aykroyd , Jamie Lee Curtis

Votes: 88,850 | Gross: $59.85M

6. 50 First Dates (2004)

PG-13 | 99 min | Comedy, Drama, Romance

Henry Roth is a man afraid of commitment until he meets the beautiful Lucy. They hit it off and Henry think he's finally found the girl of his dreams until discovering she has short-term memory loss and forgets him the next day.

Director: Peter Segal | Stars: Adam Sandler , Drew Barrymore , Rob Schneider , Sean Astin

Votes: 381,938 | Gross: $120.91M

7. Now and Then (1995)

PG-13 | 102 min | Comedy, Drama, Romance

Four 12-year-old girls grow up together during an eventful small-town summer in 1970.

Director: Lesli Linka Glatter | Stars: Christina Ricci , Demi Moore , Rosie O'Donnell , Thora Birch

Votes: 32,405 | Gross: $27.40M

8. Under the Tuscan Sun (2003)

PG-13 | 113 min | Comedy, Drama, Romance

Frances Mayes, a 35-year-old San Francisco writer, gets a divorce that leaves her with terminal writer's block and depression. Later, she decides to buy a house in Tuscany in order to change her life.

Director: Audrey Wells | Stars: Diane Lane , Raoul Bova , Sandra Oh , Lindsay Duncan

Votes: 59,494 | Gross: $43.61M

9. Little Manhattan (2005)

PG | 90 min | Comedy, Family, Romance

A 10-year-old boy and an 11-year-old girl find love in New York City.

Director: Mark Levin | Stars: Josh Hutcherson , Charlotte Ray Rosenberg , Bradley Whitford , Cynthia Nixon

Votes: 24,786 | Gross: $0.38M

10. Blue Crush (2002)

PG-13 | 104 min | Drama, Romance, Sport

As a hard-core surfer girl prepares for a big competition, she finds herself falling for a football player.

Director: John Stockwell | Stars: Kate Bosworth , Michelle Rodriguez , Matthew Davis , Sanoe Lake

Votes: 32,908 | Gross: $40.39M

11. To Gillian on Her 37th Birthday (1996)

PG-13 | 93 min | Drama, Fantasy, Romance

David's wife died 2 years ago. He, his teen daughter Rachel, her cute friend and 2 in-laws trying to fix him up with a friend, are all spending the weekend at his beach house. David still "talks to his wife" and neglects Rachel.

Director: Michael Pressman | Stars: Peter Gallagher , Michelle Pfeiffer , Claire Danes , Laurie Fortier

Votes: 5,104 | Gross: $4.14M

12. Chasing Liberty (2004)

PG-13 | 111 min | Comedy, Romance

Anna wants to be like other girls her age (18): date a guy etc. but she's the US president's daughter and always guarded. In Prague he breaks his promise of only 2 agents following her to a concert and she runs away with Ben to see Europe.

Director: Andy Cadiff | Stars: Mandy Moore , Matthew Goode , Mark Harmon , Stark Sands

Votes: 41,050 | Gross: $12.19M

13. The Man in the Moon (1991)

PG-13 | 99 min | Drama, Romance

A coming of age story set in the south of the U.S. when Elvis was King.

Director: Robert Mulligan | Stars: Sam Waterston , Tess Harper , Gail Strickland , Reese Witherspoon

Votes: 18,431 | Gross: $2.85M

14. Letters to Juliet (2010)

PG | 105 min | Adventure, Comedy, Drama

Sophie dreams of becoming a writer and travels to Verona, Italy where she meets the "Secretaries of Juliet".

Director: Gary Winick | Stars: Amanda Seyfried , Gael García Bernal , Vanessa Redgrave , Marcia DeBonis

Votes: 107,144 | Gross: $53.03M

15. Safe Haven (I) (2013)

PG-13 | 115 min | Drama, Romance, Thriller

A young woman with a mysterious past lands in Southport, North Carolina where her bond with a widower forces her to confront the dark secret that haunts her.

Director: Lasse Hallström | Stars: Julianne Hough , Josh Duhamel , Cobie Smulders , David Lyons

Votes: 116,147 | Gross: $71.35M

16. The Parent Trap (1998)

PG | 128 min | Adventure, Comedy, Drama

Identical twins Annie and Hallie, separated at birth and each raised by one of their biological parents, discover each other for the first time at summer camp and make a plan to bring their wayward parents back together.

Director: Nancy Meyers | Stars: Lindsay Lohan , Dennis Quaid , Natasha Richardson , Elaine Hendrix

Votes: 154,754 | Gross: $66.31M

17. Dirty Dancing (I) (1987)

PG-13 | 100 min | Drama, Music, Romance

Spending the summer at a Catskills resort with her family, Frances "Baby" Houseman falls in love with the camp's dance instructor, Johnny Castle.

Director: Emile Ardolino | Stars: Patrick Swayze , Jennifer Grey , Jerry Orbach , Cynthia Rhodes

Votes: 256,263 | Gross: $0.62M

18. Something's Gotta Give (2003)

PG-13 | 128 min | Comedy, Drama, Romance

A swinger on the cusp of being a senior citizen with a taste for young women falls in love with an accomplished woman closer to his age.

Director: Nancy Meyers | Stars: Jack Nicholson , Diane Keaton , Keanu Reeves , Amanda Peet

Votes: 129,123 | Gross: $124.73M

19. What About Bob? (1991)

PG | 99 min | Comedy

A successful psychotherapist loses his mind after one of his most dependent patients, an obsessive-compulsive neurotic, tracks him down during his family vacation.

Director: Frank Oz | Stars: Bill Murray , Richard Dreyfuss , Julie Hagerty , Charlie Korsmo

Votes: 74,438 | Gross: $63.71M

20. Dolphin Tale (2011)

PG | 113 min | Drama, Family

A boy finds a dolphin that was injured in a trap. They become friends, but the dolphin needs to have its tail amputated to survive. With the help of a biologist and a prosthetics specialist, the boy tries to save the animal.

Director: Charles Martin Smith | Stars: Morgan Freeman , Ashley Judd , Harry Connick Jr. , Nathan Gamble

Votes: 25,698 | Gross: $72.29M

21. Dolphin Tale 2 (2014)

PG | 107 min | Drama, Family

The team of people who saved Winter's life reassemble in the wake of her surrogate mother's passing in order to find her a companion so she can remain at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium.

Director: Charles Martin Smith | Stars: Morgan Freeman , Ashley Judd , Nathan Gamble , Cozi Zuehlsdorff

Votes: 9,796 | Gross: $42.02M

22. Lovewrecked (2005)

PG | 87 min | Adventure, Comedy, Romance

On a Caribbean cruise, Jenny is marooned on a beach with her rock and roll idol. Deliriously in love with the idea of time alone with him, she manages to hide the fact that they're a stone's throw away from their resort.

Director: Randal Kleiser | Stars: Amanda Bynes , Chris Carmack , Jonathan Bennett , Jamie-Lynn Sigler

Votes: 15,477 | Gross: $0.48M

23. My Father the Hero (1994)

PG | 90 min | Comedy, Romance

A teenage girl on vacation in the Bahamas with her divorced father tries to impress a potential boyfriend by saying that her father is actually her lover.

Director: Steve Miner | Stars: Gérard Depardieu , Katherine Heigl , Dalton James , Lauren Hutton

Votes: 11,715 | Gross: $25.48M

24. Joe Versus the Volcano (1990)

PG | 102 min | Comedy, Romance

When a hypochondriac learns that he is dying, he accepts an offer to throw himself in a volcano at a tropical island, and along the way there, learns to truly live.

Director: John Patrick Shanley | Stars: Tom Hanks , Meg Ryan , Lloyd Bridges , Robert Stack

Votes: 39,792 | Gross: $39.40M

25. Stealing Beauty (1996)

R | 118 min | Drama, Mystery, Romance

After her mother commits suicide, a young woman travels to Italy in search of love, truth and a deeper connection with herself.

Director: Bernardo Bertolucci | Stars: Jeremy Irons , Liv Tyler , Carlo Cecchi , Sinéad Cusack

Votes: 30,407 | Gross: $4.57M

26. National Lampoon's European Vacation (1985)

PG-13 | 95 min | Adventure, Comedy

The Griswolds win a vacation tour across Europe where the usual havoc ensues.

Director: Amy Heckerling | Stars: Chevy Chase , Beverly D'Angelo , Dana Hill , Jason Lively

Votes: 71,559 | Gross: $49.40M

27. The Last Song (2010)

PG | 107 min | Drama, Music, Romance

A rebellious girl is sent to a Southern beach town for the summer to stay with her father. Through their mutual love of music, the estranged duo learn to reconnect.

Director: Julie Anne Robinson | Stars: Miley Cyrus , Liam Hemsworth , Greg Kinnear , Bobby Coleman

Votes: 92,514 | Gross: $62.95M

28. Flipper (1996)

PG | 95 min | Adventure, Crime, Drama

A teenage boy sent to spend the summer with his eccentric uncle on the Florida coast befriends a remarkable dolphin and takes on local bad guys who are polluting the water.

Director: Alan Shapiro | Stars: Paul Hogan , Elijah Wood , Jonathan Banks , Robert Deacon

Votes: 11,662 | Gross: $20.05M

29. Adventureland (2009)

R | 107 min | Comedy, Drama, Romance

In the summer of 1987, a college graduate takes a 'nowhere' job at his local amusement park, only to find it's the perfect course to get him prepared for the real world.

Director: Greg Mottola | Stars: Jesse Eisenberg , Kristen Stewart , Ryan Reynolds , Martin Starr

Votes: 168,709 | Gross: $16.03M

30. Eat Pray Love (2010)

PG-13 | 133 min | Biography, Drama, Romance

A married woman realizes how unhappy her marriage really is, and that her life needs to go in a different direction. After a painful divorce, she takes off on a round-the-world journey to "find herself".

Director: Ryan Murphy | Stars: Julia Roberts , Javier Bardem , Richard Jenkins , Viola Davis

Votes: 105,840 | Gross: $80.57M

31. Two If by Sea (1996)

R | 96 min | Comedy, Crime, Romance

A couple steals a Matisse painting on contract, and manage to evade the police. The sale takes place four days later on an island, but things don't go as planned.

Director: Bill Bennett | Stars: Sandra Bullock , Denis Leary , Stephen Dillane , Yaphet Kotto

Votes: 6,374 | Gross: $10.70M

32. Charlie St. Cloud (2010)

PG-13 | 99 min | Drama, Fantasy, Romance

After Charlie survives a car crash that kills his younger brother, he is given the gift of seeing the spirits of his brother and others who he has lost, and must use his powers to save the woman he loves from impending disaster.

Director: Burr Steers | Stars: Zac Efron , Kim Basinger , Charlie Tahan , Amanda Crew

Votes: 64,690 | Gross: $31.16M

33. Only You (1994)

PG | 109 min | Comedy, Romance

As a teen, Faith was told that her destiny is a man named Damon Bradley. Years later - Faith is about to marry another man - a Damon Bradley calls to wish them all the best. Faith blows off the wedding and follows Damon to Italy.

Director: Norman Jewison | Stars: Marisa Tomei , Robert Downey Jr. , Bonnie Hunt , Joaquim de Almeida

Votes: 25,657 | Gross: $20.04M

34. French Kiss (1995)

PG-13 | 111 min | Comedy, Drama, Romance

A woman flying to France to confront her straying fiance gets into trouble when the charming crook seated next to her uses her for smuggling.

Director: Lawrence Kasdan | Stars: Meg Ryan , Kevin Kline , Timothy Hutton , Jean Reno

Votes: 52,949 | Gross: $38.90M

35. Before Sunrise (1995)

R | 101 min | Drama, Romance

A young man and woman meet on a train in Europe, and wind up spending one evening together in Vienna. Unfortunately, both know that this will probably be their only night together.

Director: Richard Linklater | Stars: Ethan Hawke , Julie Delpy , Andrea Eckert , Hanno Pöschl

Votes: 339,070 | Gross: $5.54M

36. Out to Sea (1997)

PG-13 | 106 min | Comedy, Romance

A failed gambler, intent on meeting a rich widow, tricks his widowed brother-in-law into boarding a cruise ship as dance hosts.

Director: Martha Coolidge | Stars: Jack Lemmon , Walter Matthau , Dyan Cannon , Gloria DeHaven

Votes: 9,514 | Gross: $27.97M

37. Nights in Rodanthe (2008)

PG-13 | 97 min | Drama, Romance

A doctor, who is travelling to see his estranged son, sparks with an unhappily married woman at a North Carolina inn.

Director: George C. Wolfe | Stars: Diane Lane , Richard Gere , Christopher Meloni , Viola Davis

Votes: 26,341 | Gross: $41.85M

38. Blue Lagoon: The Awakening (2012 TV Movie)

TV-14 | 85 min | Drama, Romance

Two high-school students become stranded on a tropical island and must rely on each other for survival. They learn more about themselves and one another while falling in love.

Directors: Eric Bross , Mikael Salomon | Stars: Indiana Evans , Brenton Thwaites , Denise Richards , Patrick St. Esprit

Votes: 17,169

39. Vegas Vacation (1997)

PG | 93 min | Comedy

In the fourth outing for the vacation franchise, the Griswolds have to survive Vegas fever when they go to Las Vegas for a fun family vacation.

Director: Stephen Kessler | Stars: Chevy Chase , Beverly D'Angelo , Randy Quaid , Ethan Embry

Votes: 53,111 | Gross: $36.43M

40. Fool's Gold (I) (2008)

PG-13 | 112 min | Action, Adventure, Comedy

A new clue to the whereabouts of a lost treasure rekindles a married couple's sense of adventure -- and their estranged romance.

Director: Andy Tennant | Stars: Matthew McConaughey , Kate Hudson , Donald Sutherland , Alexis Dziena

Votes: 84,460 | Gross: $70.23M

41. Point Break (1991)

R | 122 min | Action, Crime, Thriller

An F.B.I. Agent goes undercover to catch a gang of surfers who may be bank robbers.

Director: Kathryn Bigelow | Stars: Patrick Swayze , Keanu Reeves , Gary Busey , Lori Petty

Votes: 202,116 | Gross: $43.22M

42. Mr. Bean's Holiday (2007)

G | 90 min | Comedy, Family

Mr. Bean wins a trip to Cannes where he unwittingly separates a young boy from his father and must help the two reunite. On the way he discovers France, bicycling, and true love.

Director: Steve Bendelack | Stars: Rowan Atkinson , Willem Dafoe , Steve Pemberton , Lily Atkinson

Votes: 134,065 | Gross: $33.30M

43. Gidget (1959)

Not Rated | 95 min | Comedy, Drama, Romance

A young girl discovers surfing and love (in that order) during one transitive summer.

Director: Paul Wendkos | Stars: Sandra Dee , James Darren , Cliff Robertson , Arthur O'Connell

Votes: 3,822

44. Forgetting Sarah Marshall (2008)

R | 111 min | Comedy, Drama, Romance

Devastated Peter takes a Hawaiian vacation in order to deal with the recent break-up with his TV star girlfriend, Sarah. Little does he know, Sarah's traveling to the same resort as her ex - and she's bringing along her new boyfriend.

Director: Nicholas Stoller | Stars: Kristen Bell , Jason Segel , Paul Rudd , Mila Kunis

Votes: 302,367 | Gross: $63.17M

45. Just Go with It (2011)

PG-13 | 117 min | Comedy, Romance

On a weekend trip to Hawaii, a plastic surgeon convinces his loyal assistant to pose as his soon-to-be-divorced wife in order to cover up a careless lie he told to his much-younger girlfriend.

Director: Dennis Dugan | Stars: Adam Sandler , Jennifer Aniston , Brooklyn Decker , Nicole Kidman

Votes: 265,342 | Gross: $103.03M

46. Cheaper by the Dozen 2 (2005)

PG | 94 min | Adventure, Comedy, Family

The Bakers find themselves competing with a rival family of eight children while on vacation.

Director: Adam Shankman | Stars: Steve Martin , Bonnie Hunt , Hilary Duff , Eugene Levy

Votes: 62,811 | Gross: $82.57M

47. Honeymoon in Vegas (1992)

PG-13 | 96 min | Comedy, Romance, Thriller

Jack loses $65,000 in poker in Las Vegas, where he's marrying Betsy. The wedding will have to wait as the poker winner wants the weekend with Betsy to cancel the debt. She accepts. Whom will she marry?

Director: Andrew Bergman | Stars: James Caan , Nicolas Cage , Sarah Jessica Parker , Pat Morita

Votes: 19,144 | Gross: $35.21M

48. A Good Year (2006)

PG-13 | 117 min | Comedy, Drama, Romance

A British investment broker inherits his uncle's chateau and vineyard in Provence, where he spent much of his childhood. He discovers a new laid-back lifestyle as he tries to renovate the estate to be sold.

Director: Ridley Scott | Stars: Russell Crowe , Abbie Cornish , Albert Finney , Marion Cotillard

Votes: 101,327 | Gross: $7.46M

49. Aquamarine (2006)

PG | 110 min | Comedy, Family, Fantasy

Two teenage girls discover a mermaid in their beach club's swimming pool.

Director: Elizabeth Allen Rosenbaum | Stars: Emma Roberts , JoJo , Sara Paxton , Jake McDorman

Votes: 45,118 | Gross: $18.60M

50. Here on Earth (2000)

PG-13 | 96 min | Drama, Romance

A rich college kid is taught a lesson after a joy ride ends up destroying a country restaurant.

Director: Mark Piznarski | Stars: Chris Klein , Leelee Sobieski , Josh Hartnett , Michael Rooker

Votes: 8,890 | Gross: $10.49M

51. The Way Way Back (2013)

PG-13 | 103 min | Comedy, Drama

Shy 14-year-old Duncan goes on summer vacation with his mother, her overbearing boyfriend, and her boyfriend's daughter. Having a rough time fitting in, Duncan finds an unexpected friend in Owen, manager of the Water Wizz water park.

Directors: Nat Faxon , Jim Rash | Stars: Steve Carell , Toni Collette , Allison Janney , AnnaSophia Robb

Votes: 156,821 | Gross: $21.50M

52. American Graffiti (1973)

PG | 110 min | Comedy, Drama

A group of teenagers in California's central valley spend one final night after their 1962 high school graduation cruising the strip with their buddies before they pursue their varying goals.

Director: George Lucas | Stars: Richard Dreyfuss , Ron Howard , Paul Le Mat , Charles Martin Smith

Votes: 98,099 | Gross: $115.00M

53. My Life in Ruins (2009)

PG-13 | 95 min | Comedy, Romance

A disgruntled tour guide in Greece gains an unexpected new outlook on life thanks to one of the people on what she intends to be her last tour.

Director: Donald Petrie | Stars: Nia Vardalos , Richard Dreyfuss , Rachel Dratch , Alexis Georgoulis

Votes: 20,861 | Gross: $8.66M

54. Six Days Seven Nights (1998)

PG-13 | 102 min | Action, Adventure, Comedy

Robin Monroe, a New York magazine editor, and the gruff pilot Quinn Harris must put aside their mutual dislike if they are to survive after crash landing on a deserted South Seas island.

Director: Ivan Reitman | Stars: Harrison Ford , Anne Heche , David Schwimmer , Jacqueline Obradors

Votes: 83,333 | Gross: $74.33M

55. Camp Nowhere (1994)

PG | 96 min | Adventure, Comedy, Family

A group of junior high kids don't want to go to summer camps chosen by their parents. They make their own adult-free camp and "hire" an ex drama teacher to help.

Director: Jonathan Prince | Stars: Jonathan Jackson , Christopher Lloyd , John Putch , Peter Scolari

Votes: 10,669 | Gross: $10.47M

56. Dear John (I) (2010)

PG-13 | 108 min | Drama, Romance, War

A romantic drama about a soldier who falls for a conservative college student while he's home on leave.

Director: Lasse Hallström | Stars: Channing Tatum , Amanda Seyfried , Richard Jenkins , Henry Thomas

Votes: 157,708 | Gross: $80.01M

57. Into the Blue (2005)

PG-13 | 110 min | Action, Adventure, Crime

Four divers cross paths with drug smugglers in the Bahamas.

Director: John Stockwell | Stars: Paul Walker , Jessica Alba , Scott Caan , Ashley Scott

Votes: 79,500 | Gross: $18.47M

58. Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights (2004)

PG-13 | 86 min | Drama, Music, Romance

High school senior Katey moves to Havana in November 1958, when her dad gets a promotion at Ford. She meets a local waiter, who introduces her to sensual Cuban music/dance. They enter a big dance contest for the prize when he gets fired.

Director: Guy Ferland | Stars: Diego Luna , Romola Garai , Sela Ward , John Slattery

Votes: 29,497 | Gross: $14.16M

59. It Takes Two (1995)

PG | 101 min | Comedy, Family, Romance

Alyssa and Amanda are two little girls who are identical, but complete strangers, that accidentally meet one day.

Director: Andy Tennant | Stars: Kirstie Alley , Steve Guttenberg , Mary-Kate Olsen , Ashley Olsen

Votes: 24,858 | Gross: $19.47M

60. RV (2006)

PG | 99 min | Adventure, Comedy, Family

Bob Munro and his dysfunctional family rent an RV for a road trip to the Colorado Rockies, where they must ultimately contend with a bizarre community of campers.

Director: Barry Sonnenfeld | Stars: Robin Williams , Cheryl Hines , Kristin Chenoweth , JoJo

Votes: 63,552 | Gross: $71.73M

61. The Heartbreak Kid (2007)

R | 116 min | Comedy, Romance

A newly wed man who believes he's just gotten hitched to the perfect woman encounters another lady on his honeymoon.

Directors: Bobby Farrelly , Peter Farrelly | Stars: Ben Stiller , Michelle Monaghan , Malin Akerman , Jerry Stiller

Votes: 96,524 | Gross: $36.79M

62. Ten Inch Hero (2007)

R | 102 min | Comedy, Drama, Romance

An artist gets a job at a beachside sandwich shop, where she hangs out with a techie, a flirt, a rocker, a hippie, and a Wiccan.

Director: David Mackay | Stars: Elisabeth Harnois , Clea DuVall , Sean Patrick Flanery , Jensen Ackles

Votes: 13,305

63. Wimbledon (2004)

PG-13 | 98 min | Comedy, Romance, Sport

A pro tennis player has lost his ambition and has fallen in rank to 119. Fortunately for him, he meets a young player on the women's circuit who helps him recapture his focus for Wimbledon.

Director: Richard Loncraine | Stars: Kirsten Dunst , Paul Bettany , Jon Favreau , Sam Neill

Votes: 66,586 | Gross: $17.00M

64. According to Greta (2009)

PG-13 | 92 min | Drama, Romance

A suicidal and rebellious teenager is sent to live with her grandparents for the summer, where life takes an unexpected turn.

Director: Nancy Bardawil | Stars: Hilary Duff , Evan Ross , Michael Murphy , Ellen Burstyn

Votes: 10,359

65. Indian Summer (1993)

PG-13 | 97 min | Comedy, Drama, Romance

Seven friends reunite for a week-long reunion at a summer camp in Ontario they used to attend as children which is now threatened with being closed down.

Director: Mike Binder | Stars: Alan Arkin , Matt Craven , Diane Lane , Bill Paxton

Votes: 6,021 | Gross: $14.90M

66. Endless Love (2014)

PG-13 | 104 min | Drama, Mystery, Romance

The story of a privileged girl and a charismatic boy whose instant desire sparks a love affair made only more reckless by parents trying to keep them apart.

Director: Shana Feste | Stars: Gabriella Wilde , Alex Pettyfer , Bruce Greenwood , Robert Patrick

Votes: 47,575 | Gross: $23.39M

67. We're the Millers (2013)

R | 110 min | Comedy, Crime

A veteran pot dealer creates a fake family as part of his plan to move a huge shipment of weed into the U.S. from Mexico.

Director: Rawson Marshall Thurber | Stars: Jason Sudeikis , Jennifer Aniston , Emma Roberts , Ed Helms

Votes: 485,865 | Gross: $150.39M

68. Failure to Launch (2006)

PG-13 | 97 min | Comedy, Romance

A thirty-something is still living with his parents until they hire an interventionist to help him graduate out of the house. That's when the fun begins.

Director: Tom Dey | Stars: Matthew McConaughey , Sarah Jessica Parker , Kathy Bates , Terry Bradshaw

Votes: 85,787 | Gross: $88.72M

69. Message in a Bottle (1999)

PG-13 | 126 min | Drama, Romance

A woman discovers a tragic love letter in a bottle on a beach, and is determined to track down its author.

Director: Luis Mandoki | Stars: Kevin Costner , Robin Wright , Paul Newman , John Savage

Votes: 40,347 | Gross: $52.88M

70. Barefoot (I) (2014)

PG-13 | 90 min | Comedy, Drama, Romance

The "black sheep" son of a wealthy family meets a young psychiatric patient who's been raised in isolation her entire life; he takes this naive young woman home for his brother's wedding.

Director: Andrew Fleming | Stars: Evan Rachel Wood , Scott Speedman , J.K. Simmons , Treat Williams

Votes: 27,040 | Gross: $0.01M

71. Sabrina (1995)

PG | 127 min | Comedy, Drama, Romance

An ugly duckling having undergone a remarkable change, still harbors feelings for her crush: a carefree playboy, but not before his business-focused brother has something to say about it.

Director: Sydney Pollack | Stars: Harrison Ford , Julia Ormond , Greg Kinnear , Nancy Marchand

Votes: 44,417 | Gross: $53.67M

72. Aloha (I) (2015)

PG-13 | 105 min | Comedy, Drama, Romance

A celebrated military contractor returns to the site of his greatest career triumphs and reconnects with a long-ago love while unexpectedly falling for the hard-charging Air Force watchdog assigned to him.

Director: Cameron Crowe | Stars: Bradley Cooper , Rachel McAdams , Emma Stone , Alec Baldwin

Votes: 71,041 | Gross: $20.99M

73. Heartbreakers (2001)

PG-13 | 123 min | Comedy, Crime, Romance

A mother and daughter con team seduce and scam wealthy men.

Director: David Mirkin | Stars: Sigourney Weaver , Jennifer Love Hewitt , Gene Hackman , Ray Liotta

Votes: 57,961 | Gross: $40.34M

74. Life as a House (2001)

R | 125 min | Drama

When a man is diagnosed with terminal cancer, he takes custody of his misanthropic teenage son, for whom quality time means getting high, engaging in small-time prostitution, and avoiding his father.

Director: Irwin Winkler | Stars: Hayden Christensen , Kevin Kline , Kristin Scott Thomas , Jena Malone

Votes: 45,591 | Gross: $15.65M

75. Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood (2002)

PG-13 | 116 min | Drama

After years of mother-daughter tension, Siddalee receives a scrapbook detailing the wild adventures of the "Ya-Yas", her mother's girlhood friends.

Director: Callie Khouri | Stars: Sandra Bullock , Ellen Burstyn , Fionnula Flanagan , James Garner

Votes: 20,946 | Gross: $69.60M

76. The Birdcage (1996)

R | 117 min | Comedy

A gay cabaret owner and his drag queen companion agree to put up a false straight front so that their son can introduce them to his fiancée's right-wing moralistic parents.

Director: Mike Nichols | Stars: Robin Williams , Nathan Lane , Gene Hackman , Dianne Wiest

Votes: 100,520 | Gross: $124.06M

77. Weekend at Bernie's (1989)

PG-13 | 97 min | Adventure, Comedy, Crime

Two idiots try to pretend that their murdered employer is really alive, leading the hitman to attempt to track him down to finish him off.

Director: Ted Kotcheff | Stars: Andrew McCarthy , Jonathan Silverman , Catherine Mary Stewart , Terry Kiser

Votes: 62,844 | Gross: $30.22M

78. Bushwhacked (1995)

PG-13 | 90 min | Adventure, Comedy, Crime

Framed for murder and on the run from authorities, a sleazy courier poses as a scout leader. But he has no idea what he's in for when he must actually take charge of a group of kids on a hiking trip.

Director: Greg Beeman | Stars: Daniel Stern , Jon Polito , Brad Sullivan , Ann Dowd

Votes: 6,878 | Gross: $7.92M

79. The Parent Trap (1961)

Passed | 129 min | Comedy, Family, Romance

Teenage twin sisters swap places and scheme to reunite their divorced parents.

Director: David Swift | Stars: Hayley Mills , Maureen O'Hara , Brian Keith , Charles Ruggles

Votes: 23,959

80. Teen Beach Movie (2013 TV Movie)

Not Rated | 110 min | Comedy, Family, Fantasy

Two surfing lovers, whose doomed relationship is nearing to a close, find themselves swept into a dimension-traversing wave that sends them into a beach movie musical in the 60's.

Director: Jeffrey Hornaday | Stars: Ross Lynch , Maia Mitchell , Gracie Gillam , Garrett Clayton

Votes: 14,081

81. Blast from the Past (1999)

PG-13 | 112 min | Comedy, Drama, Romance

A naive man comes out into the world after spending 35 years in a nuclear fallout shelter.

Director: Hugh Wilson | Stars: Brendan Fraser , Alicia Silverstone , Christopher Walken , Sissy Spacek

Votes: 71,678 | Gross: $26.49M

82. Lilo & Stitch (2002)

PG | 85 min | Animation, Adventure, Comedy

A young and parentless girl adopts a 'dog' from the local pound, completely unaware that it's supposedly a dangerous scientific experiment that's taken refuge on Earth and is now hiding from its creator and those who see it as a menace.

Directors: Dean DeBlois , Chris Sanders | Stars: Daveigh Chase , Chris Sanders , Tia Carrere , David Ogden Stiers

Votes: 211,501 | Gross: $145.79M

83. Spanglish (2004)

PG-13 | 131 min | Comedy, Drama, Romance

A woman and her daughter emigrate from Mexico for a better life in America, where they start working for a family whose patriarch is a newly celebrated chef with an insecure wife.

Director: James L. Brooks | Stars: Adam Sandler , Téa Leoni , Paz Vega , Cloris Leachman

Votes: 88,522 | Gross: $42.73M

84. The Nanny Diaries (2007)

A college graduate goes to work as a nanny for a rich New York family. Ensconced in their home, she has to juggle their dysfunction, a new romance, and the spoiled brat in her charge.

Directors: Shari Springer Berman , Robert Pulcini | Stars: Scarlett Johansson , Laura Linney , Paul Giamatti , Donna Murphy

Votes: 64,057 | Gross: $25.93M

85. Blended (2014)

After a bad blind date, a man and woman find themselves stuck together at a resort for families, where their attraction grows as their respective kids benefit from the burgeoning relationship.

Director: Frank Coraci | Stars: Adam Sandler , Drew Barrymore , Wendi McLendon-Covey , Kevin Nealon

Votes: 144,019 | Gross: $46.29M

86. Monster-in-Law (2005)

PG-13 | 101 min | Comedy, Romance

The love life of Charlotte is reduced to an endless string of disastrous blind dates, until she meets the perfect man, Kevin. Unfortunately, his merciless mother will do anything to destroy their relationship.

Director: Robert Luketic | Stars: Jennifer Lopez , Michael Vartan , Jane Fonda , Wanda Sykes

Votes: 65,521 | Gross: $82.93M

87. Zeus and Roxanne (1997)

PG | 98 min | Adventure, Comedy, Family

A touching friendship story between a dog and a dolphin.

Director: George Miller | Stars: Steve Guttenberg , Kathleen Quinlan , Arnold Vosloo , Dawn McMillan

Votes: 3,215 | Gross: $7.18M

88. Because I Said So (2007)

PG-13 | 102 min | Comedy, Romance

A meddling mother tries to set her daughter up with the right man so her kid won't follow in her footsteps.

Director: Michael Lehmann | Stars: Diane Keaton , Mandy Moore , Gabriel Macht , Tom Everett Scott

Votes: 40,113 | Gross: $42.67M

89. Surf's Up (2007)

A behind-the-scenes look at the annual Penguin World Surfing Championship, and its newest participant, up-and-comer Cody Maverick.

Directors: Ash Brannon , Chris Buck | Stars: Shia LaBeouf , Zooey Deschanel , Jon Heder , Jeff Bridges

Votes: 90,751 | Gross: $58.87M

90. Return to Me (2000)

PG | 115 min | Comedy, Drama, Romance

A man who falls in love with the woman who received his wife's heart must decide which woman it is who holds his heart.

Director: Bonnie Hunt | Stars: David Duchovny , Minnie Driver , Carroll O'Connor , Robert Loggia

Votes: 22,771 | Gross: $32.66M

91. Evening (2007)

PG-13 | 117 min | Drama, Romance

Suffering from a terminal illness, an elderly woman recalls in delirium a tragedy from her youth, when her brief romance with a young doctor has unforeseeable consequences for a mutual friend secretly in love with her.

Director: Lajos Koltai | Stars: Vanessa Redgrave , Toni Collette , Claire Danes , Patrick Wilson

Votes: 14,064 | Gross: $12.41M

92. Becoming Jane (2007)

PG | 120 min | Biography, Drama, Romance

A biographical portrait of a pre-fame Jane Austen and her romance with a young Irishman.

Director: Julian Jarrold | Stars: Anne Hathaway , James McAvoy , Julie Walters , James Cromwell

Votes: 65,069 | Gross: $18.67M

93. A Very Brady Sequel (1996)

PG-13 | 90 min | Comedy

The Bradys are surprised when a man claiming to be Carol's long lost first husband shows up at their home. Before long, his strange actions cause them to question his motives.

Director: Arlene Sanford | Stars: Shelley Long , Gary Cole , Tim Matheson , Christopher Daniel Barnes

Votes: 11,768 | Gross: $21.40M

94. The Descendants (2011)

R | 115 min | Comedy, Drama

A land baron tries to reconnect with his two daughters after his wife is seriously injured in a boating accident.

Director: Alexander Payne | Stars: George Clooney , Shailene Woodley , Amara Miller , Nick Krause

Votes: 251,735 | Gross: $82.58M

95. When in Rome (2010)

PG-13 | 91 min | Comedy, Romance

Beth is an ambitious young New Yorker who is completely unlucky in love. On a whirlwind trip to Rome, she impulsively steals some coins from a reputed fountain of love, and is then aggressively pursued by a band of suitors.

Director: Mark Steven Johnson | Stars: Kristen Bell , Josh Duhamel , Anjelica Huston , Danny DeVito

Votes: 64,607 | Gross: $32.67M

96. Lost in Translation (2003)

R | 102 min | Comedy, Drama

A faded movie star and a neglected young woman form an unlikely bond after crossing paths in Tokyo.

Director: Sofia Coppola | Stars: Bill Murray , Scarlett Johansson , Giovanni Ribisi , Anna Faris

Votes: 488,543 | Gross: $44.59M

97. What a Girl Wants (2003)

PG | 105 min | Comedy, Drama, Family

An American teenager learns that her father is a wealthy British politician running for office. Although she is eager to find him, she realizes it could cause a scandal and cost him the election.

Director: Dennie Gordon | Stars: Amanda Bynes , Colin Firth , Kelly Preston , Soleil McGhee

Votes: 66,490 | Gross: $35.99M

98. A Walk on the Moon (1999)

R | 107 min | Drama, Romance

The world of a young housewife is turned upside down when she has an affair with a free-spirited blouse salesman.

Director: Tony Goldwyn | Stars: Diane Lane , Viggo Mortensen , Bobby Boriello , Anna Paquin

Votes: 9,206 | Gross: $4.74M

99. Monte Carlo (2011)

PG | 109 min | Adventure, Comedy, Family

Three young women vacationing in Paris find themselves whisked away to Monte Carlo after one of the girls is mistaken for a British heiress.

Director: Thomas Bezucha | Stars: Selena Gomez , Leighton Meester , Katie Cassidy , Cory Monteith

Votes: 48,598 | Gross: $23.19M

100. One Day (2011)

PG-13 | 107 min | Drama, Romance

After spending the night together on the eve of their college graduation, Dexter and Emma are shown each year on the same date to see where they are in their lives. They are sometimes together, and sometimes not.

Director: Lone Scherfig | Stars: Anne Hathaway , Jim Sturgess , Patricia Clarkson , Tom Mison

Votes: 167,608 | Gross: $13.84M

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Best Movies About Family Vacations: Fun and Heartwarming Films for All Ages

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Are you planning your next family vacation? Do you want to relive some of your favorite family vacation memories? Look no further than the movies!

Movies about family vacations are a great way to feel the excitement and adventure of a family trip without leaving your couch.

From classic comedies to heartwarming dramas, there are countless family vacation movies to choose from.

Whether you want to watch the Griswold family’s cross-country road trip in National Lampoon’s Vacation or follow the Cooper family’s European adventure in Love the Coopers, these movies are sure to entertain and inspire you.

So grab some popcorn, gather the family, and get ready to embark on a cinematic journey of family vacations.

Classic Family Vacation Movies

When it comes to classic family vacation movies, there are a few that come to mind. These movies are timeless and have been enjoyed by families for generations. Here are some of the best classic family vacation movies that you should watch with your family.

National Lampoon’s Vacation

Rated : R IMDB : 7.3/10

One of the most iconic family vacation movies is National Lampoon’s Vacation, which was released in 1983.

This movie follows the Griswold family, led by Clark Griswold (played by Chevy Chase), as they embark on a cross-country road trip to Walley World. Along the way, they encounter a number of mishaps and obstacles, including a run-in with the police and a visit to a cousin’s house that doesn’t go as planned.

This movie is a must-watch for anyone who loves a good road trip movie.

The Great Outdoors

Rated: PG IMDB : 6.6/10

Another classic family vacation movie is The Great Outdoors, which was released in 1988.

This movie stars John Candy and Dan Aykroyd as two families who are vacationing together in a cabin in the woods. While they are there, they encounter a number of challenges, including a bear that keeps stealing their food and a waterskiing mishap.

This movie is a great choice for anyone who loves the great outdoors and wants to watch a movie that is both funny and heartwarming.

National Lampoon’s European Vacation

Rating: PG-13 IMDB: 6.2/10

National Lampoon’s European Vacation is another classic family vacation movie that you should watch with your family. This movie was released in 1985 and follows the Griswold family as they travel to Europe for a vacation.

Along the way, they encounter a number of mishaps and obstacles, including getting lost in London and accidentally stealing a car in Germany.

This movie is a great choice for anyone who loves to travel or wants to experience Europe from the comfort of their own home.

Modern Takes on Family Vacations

If you’re looking for something more recent, there are plenty of modern movies about family vacations that you can enjoy. From comedies to animated films , these movies are sure to entertain you and your family. Here are some of the best modern takes on family vacations.

Rated: PG-13 IMDB: 6/10

In this comedy film, you’ll follow the story of five childhood friends who reunite after 30 years for a Fourth of July weekend.

The group decides to rent an RV and take their families on a trip to a lake house. Along the way, they encounter all sorts of mishaps and adventures.

With a star-studded cast that includes Adam Sandler, Chris Rock, and Kevin James, Grown Ups is a hilarious movie that will keep you laughing from start to finish.

The Mitchells vs. the Machines

Rated: PG IMDB : 7.6/10

This animated film follows the story of the Mitchell family, who decide to take a road trip to drop off their daughter at college.

Along the way, they encounter a robot uprising and must work together to save the world.

With stunning visuals and a heartwarming story, The Mitchells vs. the Machines is a must-watch for families.

Cheaper by the Dozen 2

Rated: PG IMDB : 5.5/10

In this sequel to the 2003 film, the Baker family goes on a vacation to Lake Winnetka, where they encounter their old rivals, the Murtaughs.

The two families compete in a series of events to determine which family is better.

With a cast that includes Steve Martin and Bonnie Hunt, Cheaper by the Dozen 2 is a fun and lighthearted movie that the whole family can enjoy.

Little Miss Sunshine

Rated: R IMDB : 7.8/10

This indie film follows the story of the dysfunctional Hoover family as they travel to California for their daughter’s beauty pageant.

Along the way, they encounter all sorts of obstacles and challenges.

With a talented cast that includes Steve Carell and Toni Collette, Little Miss Sunshine is a heartwarming and poignant movie that will leave you feeling inspired.

Unforgettable Vacation Mishaps

Going on a family vacation is always a fun and exciting experience, but sometimes things don’t go as planned. Mishaps can happen, and they can turn what was supposed to be a relaxing vacation into a stressful and frustrating situation. Here are some of the most unforgettable vacation mishaps that you may encounter on your family vacation.

Lost Luggage and Missed Flights

One of the most common vacation mishaps is lost luggage or missed flights. This can be a frustrating experience, especially if you have important items in your luggage or if you have a tight schedule to keep.

In the movie “Home Alone 2: Lost in New York,” Kevin McCallister’s family accidentally leaves him behind when they go on vacation, and he must fend for himself in New York City. This mishap leads to a series of hilarious and dangerous events that make for a great movie.

Unexpected Detours

Another common vacation mishap is unexpected detours. You may plan out your trip in advance, but sometimes things don’t go as planned.

In the movie “What About Bob?,” Bob Wiley follows his therapist on vacation and ends up causing chaos for the entire family. This mishap leads to a series of funny and awkward situations that will keep you laughing.

Running Out of Gas

Running out of gas is another vacation mishap that can be stressful and frustrating. This can happen if you don’t plan your route properly or if you forget to fill up your gas tank.

In the movie “National Lampoon’s Vacation,” the Griswold family goes on a cross-country road trip to visit an amusement park, but they encounter a series of mishaps along the way, including running out of gas. This mishap leads to a series of hilarious and outrageous events that make for a great movie.

Inspirational and Scenic Vacation Films

If you’re looking for some inspiration for your next family vacation , look no further than these amazing films. From beachside bliss to European escapades, these movies will transport you to some of the most beautiful and exciting destinations in the world.

Beachside Bliss

There’s nothing quite like a relaxing beach vacation , and these films will have you dreaming of sun, sand, and surf.

“On Golden Pond” is a classic family drama that takes place on a beautiful lake in Maine. The stunning scenery and heartwarming story make this a must-see film for anyone looking for a peaceful getaway.

Another great option is “The Trip,” which follows two friends as they travel through the beautiful countryside of England. The stunning landscapes and delicious food will have you booking your own trip in no time.

European Escapades

Europe is full of incredible destinations, and these films will take you on a journey through some of the continent’s most beautiful cities.

“Under the Tuscan Sun” is a romantic comedy set in the stunning Italian countryside. The film’s gorgeous scenery and charming story make it a perfect choice for anyone looking for a little romance on their next vacation.

Another great option is “The Grand Budapest Hotel,” which takes place in the stunning city of Budapest. The film’s quirky characters and beautiful architecture will have you falling in love with this incredible city.

Wilderness Adventures

If you’re looking for a little adventure on your next family vacation, these films are sure to inspire you.

“Into the Wild” is a powerful drama that follows a young man as he sets out on a journey of self-discovery in the Alaskan wilderness. The stunning landscapes and powerful story make this a must-see film for anyone looking for a little adventure.

Another great option is “The Darjeeling Limited,” which takes place in India. The film’s stunning scenery and quirky characters make it a perfect choice for anyone looking for a little adventure and inspiration.

Streaming Vacation Movies

When it comes to family vacation movies, streaming services have got you covered. Here are some of the best options available on Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video.

Netflix Family Hits

Netflix has a great selection of family vacation movies, including classics like “National Lampoon’s Vacation” and newer hits like “The Mitchells vs. The Machines.” You can also find family-friendly comedies like “The Sleepover” and heartwarming dramas like “A Week Away.”

Disney+ Picks

Disney+ is the perfect streaming service for families, and it has a great selection of family vacation movies.

You can watch the beloved classic “The Parent Trap” or the more recent hit “ Finding Nemo .” If you’re in the mood for something more adventurous, check out “Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl.”

Amazon Prime Video Selections

Amazon Prime Video also has a great selection of family vacation movies.

You can watch the hilarious “RV” starring Robin Williams or the heartwarming “Little Miss Sunshine.”

If you’re in the mood for something more action-packed, check out “Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle.”

Actors Known for Vacation Roles

When it comes to movies about family vacations, there are certain actors who have become synonymous with the genre. Here are some of the most notable actors known for their roles in vacation movies.

Comedy Legends

Robin Williams, Bill Murray, and Dan Aykroyd are just a few of the comedy legends who have starred in vacation movies.

Williams starred in the 1993 hit “Mrs. Doubtfire” where he takes his kids on a trip to San Francisco. Meanwhile, Murray starred in the 1980 classic “Caddyshack”, a movie about a family vacation at a golf resort. Lastly, Aykroyd starred in the 1985 comedy “Spies Like Us”, a movie about two bumbling spies who go on a mission to the Soviet Union.

Rising Stars

There are also some rising stars who have made a name for themselves in vacation movies.

One such star is Ed Helms, who starred in the 2015 movie “Vacation”, a sequel to the classic National Lampoon’s Vacation movies.

Another rising star is Adam Devine, who starred in the 2018 movie “When We First Met”, a romantic comedy about a man who goes back in time to try and win over the woman of his dreams.

Beloved Character Actors

Finally, there are some beloved character actors who have become fixtures in vacation movies.

For example, Richard Dreyfuss starred in the 1975 classic “Jaws”, a movie about a family vacation gone wrong. Meanwhile, John Candy, who sadly passed away in 1994, starred in the 1988 movie “The Great Outdoors”, a movie about a family vacation in the wilderness.

Wrapping Up The Best Movies About Family Vacations

In conclusion, family vacation movies are a great way to relive memories of your own family trips, or to inspire you to take your own family vacation. These movies are filled with laughter and heartwarming moments that are sure to make you feel good.

Whether you’re looking for family-friendly movies that everyone can enjoy, or travel movies that will give you a serious case of wanderlust, there is something for everyone on this list.

From the classic National Lampoon’s Vacation to the more recent The Lizzie McGuire Movie, these movies will transport you to different parts of the world and give you a taste of what it’s like to travel with your loved ones.

So, grab some popcorn, gather your family around, and get ready to be entertained. These movies will not only make you laugh, but they will also remind you of the importance of spending quality time with your family.

In summary, family vacation movies are a must-watch for anyone who loves to travel, laugh, and create memories with their family. So, pick a movie from this list, sit back, and enjoy the ride.

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10 Fun Watch-Together Family Movies

By Movieguide ® Contributor

There’s nothing better than gathering the whole family together to watch a movie. This curated list features the perfect films for everyone to enjoy. From classics like THE PRINCESS BRIDE to animated favorites like THE INCREDIBLES, these flicks will please even the harshest critic. Whether you want to sing along with a musical or have your funny bone tickled, don’t miss these watch-together family movies.

THE PRINCESS BRIDE (1987)

Watch the princess bride (1987):.

Watch WONKA:

Watch THE CROODS:

Watch ENCHANTED:

PLAYING WITH FIRE

Watch playing with fire:.

THE INCREDIBLES

Watch the incredibles:.

MUPPETS MOST WANTED

Watch muppets most wanted:.

Watch SHREK:

MARY POPPINS RETURNS

Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.

What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.

You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.

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The Best Movies About Vacations

There’s nothing better than the holidays or summer break when we can finally break away from our normal, boring schedule and head off on an amazing trip! Family vacations and other trips are some of the most memorable times in our lives. It’s no wonder so many movies have been made about vacation stories. What are the best movies about vacations? Vote for the vacation films you think are the best below and see what comes out on top! There are more comedy vacation movies on this list like  Vacation  along with dramas and coming of age movies.

The movies featured on this list all center around a vacation in one way or another, from the worst family trips people have ever taken to some truly miserable, but hilarious, bachelor party trips. This list features some very inspirational, sweet films and some very funny, comedies, and summer vacation movies. There's a vacation for everyone! These are also great movies to watch while you're on a vacation.

This list ranks the best movies about vacations including, Jaws, Weekend at Bernie’s, Taking Woodstock, Dazed and Confused, The Talented Mr. Ripley, The Beach, Grown Ups, The Seven Year Itch, The Hangover, RV, Meatballs, Adventureland, The Trip, and Little Miss Sunshine . Vote up the best vacation movies and vote down any  that you think other fans should skip.

National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation

In this beloved holiday favorite, Chevy Chase returns as the hapless Clark Griswold, trying to create the ultimate Christmas experience for his family. Despite Clark's best intentions, the Griswold family faces mishap after mishap, including disastrous lights displays and unexpected houseguests. This movie presents a comedic take on traditional festive gatherings, making it an essential watch for those seeking light-hearted fun during their seasonal vacation.

• Dig Deeper... The Funniest Lines From 'Christmas Vacation'
• # 25 of 399 on The Best Movies Of The 1980s, Ranked
• # 25 of 772 on The Most Rewatchable Movies

National Lampoon’s Vacation

A hilarious and iconic classic, this film follows the ill-fated Griswold family as they embark on a cross-country road trip to the fictional amusement park Walley World. Chevy Chase stars as the bumbling, determined patriarch, Clark Griswold, who stops at nothing to ensure his family has the perfect vacation. Along the way, they encounter various misadventures, adding plenty of laughs for travel enthusiasts and families alike.

• # 31 of 399 on The Best Movies Of The 1980s, Ranked
• # 162 of 772 on The Most Rewatchable Movies
• # 9 of 702 on The All-Time Greatest Comedy Films

Forgetting Sarah Marshall

Jason Segel plays a heartbroken composer named Peter, who escapes to Hawaii in an attempt to mend his broken heart after being dumped by his famous girlfriend, Sarah Marshall (Kristen Bell). However, he soon discovers that she and her new boyfriend (Russell Brand) are staying at the same resort. The film is filled with laugh-out-loud moments and relatable heartache, promising to provide viewers with both emotional depth and vacation escapism.

• # 624 of 772 on The Most Rewatchable Movies
• # 381 of 702 on The All-Time Greatest Comedy Films
• # 42 of 93 on The 85+ Best Stoner Comedies Ever

The Hangover

This raucous comedy offers an unforgettable journey through Las Vegas as three groomsmen, played by Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, and Zach Galifianakis, attempt to retrace their steps from a wild, forgotten night. Along the way, they search for their missing friend and groom-to-be (Justin Bartha) while encountering tigers, a baby, and even Mike Tyson. The Hangover serves as the ultimate cautionary tale for all who seek a night of revelry and a memorable vacation gone wrong.

• # 108 of 772 on The Most Rewatchable Movies
• # 28 of 702 on The All-Time Greatest Comedy Films
• # 19 of 93 on The 85+ Best Stoner Comedies Ever

The Great Outdoors

John Candy and Dan Aykroyd star as two polar opposite brothers-in-law attempting to enjoy a serene family vacation in the rural Wisconsin woods. Despite their best efforts to bond, the duo finds themselves at odds as they face encounters with bears, raccoons, and even a waterskiing mishap. This comedic gem captures the essence of family vacations, emphasizing the importance of persistence despite the chaos that often ensues.

• # 108 of 399 on The Best Movies Of The 1980s, Ranked
• # 453 of 772 on The Most Rewatchable Movies
• # 89 of 702 on The All-Time Greatest Comedy Films

Weekend at Bernie's

For fans of dark comedies, this hilarious 80s classic follows two young insurance workers, played by Andrew McCarthy and Jonathan Silverman, who discover their unscrupulous boss has been committing fraud. Upon arriving at his luxurious beach house to confront him, they find him dead but decide to pretend he's still alive to ensure their weekend vacation continues undisturbed. Farcical and light-hearted, Weekend at Bernie's promises to entertain anyone seeking an unconventional vacation movie experience.

• # 83 of 399 on The Best Movies Of The 1980s, Ranked
• # 40 of 233 on The Best '80s Comedy Movies, Ranked
• # 21 of 83 on The Best Movies Of 1989, Ranked

Just Go With It

Adam Sandler stars as a plastic surgeon, who enlists his loyal assistant (Jennifer Aniston) to pose as his soon-to-be ex-wife in an attempt to cover up a selfish lie he told to his new love interest (Brooklyn Decker). However, things quickly spiral out of control as they all end up on an unforgettable Hawaiian getaway. This comedy offers picturesque scenery and a heartwarming tale that'll encourage viewers to embrace spontaneity in their own vacations.

• # 653 of 702 on The All-Time Greatest Comedy Films
• # 122 of 469 on The 400+ Best Chick Flicks Ever
• # 532 of 630 on The 600+ Funniest Movies Of All Time

Vegas Vacation

Chevy Chase reprises his role as Clark Griswold in this energetic installment where the Griswold family takes on Las Vegas. As they explore the infamous Strip with its casinos, extravagant shows, and bustling nightlife, each family member becomes entangled in their own adventures. Vegas Vacation offers viewers not only a humorous take on Sin City but also a reminder of family togetherness amidst the chaos of a glamorous destination.

• # 177 of 702 on The All-Time Greatest Comedy Films
• # 66 of 168 on The Best '90s Comedy Movies, Ranked
• # 29 of 95 on The 100+ Best Movies Of 1997

What About Bob?

Bill Murray shines as an eccentric, anxiety-ridden patient who trails his therapist (Richard Dreyfuss) on a family vacation to the picturesque Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire. Murray's character, Bob, unknowingly brings chaos to the idyllic vacation spot, while slowly winning over the hearts of the therapist's family. What About Bob? is a delightful film that showcases the importance of finding solace and joy in unexpected ways during our travels.

• # 466 of 772 on The Most Rewatchable Movies
• # 104 of 702 on The All-Time Greatest Comedy Films
• # 163 of 379 on The Best Movies Of The 1990s

National Lampoon's European Vacation

Following their US adventure, the Griswolds, led by Chevy Chase and Beverly D'Angelo, set their sights on conquering Europe after winning an all-expenses-paid trip. From faulty driving practices in London to unintentionally crashing an Oktoberfest celebration in Germany, the Griswolds leave no destination unturned, providing laughs and commentary for vacation enthusiasts dreaming of their European getaway.

• # 134 of 399 on The Best Movies Of The 1980s, Ranked
• # 510 of 772 on The Most Rewatchable Movies
• # 363 of 702 on The All-Time Greatest Comedy Films

City Slickers

Billy Crystal stars as a man seeking adventure to break free from his mid-life crisis by embarking on a Western cattle drive vacation with his friends. Featuring hearty laughs and heartfelt moments, this classic comedy showcases the healing power of friendship and self-discovery while offering glimpses of the breathtaking American Southwest. City Slickers is a must-watch for anyone contemplating a thrilling getaway or soul-searching journey.

• Dig Deeper... 9 Behind-The-Scenes Stories From 'City Slickers'
• # 130 of 288 on The 250+ Best Western Movies Of All Time
• # 82 of 702 on The All-Time Greatest Comedy Films

Home Alone 2: Lost in New York

In this popular sequel, Macaulay Culkin reprises his role as Kevin McCallister who ends up stranded in New York City while his family enjoys a holiday vacation in Florida. Between outsmarting the notorious Wet Bandits, exploring Central Park, and enjoying the luxurious Plaza Hotel, this film is a nostalgic ode to childhood wonder and imagination. Home Alone 2 captures the magic of the Big Apple during the holiday season, making it an ideal watch for vacation dreamers.

• # 30 of 50 on The Biggest Movies Of The '90s, Ranked
• # 188 of 772 on The Most Rewatchable Movies
• # 195 of 702 on The All-Time Greatest Comedy Films

Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore reunite for this feel-good rom-com that sees two single parents and their respective children accidentally booked on the same African safari vacation. As they navigate the beauty and wonder of the South African landscape, the families slowly bond and discover that they may have more in common than they initially thought. Blended delivers both stunning visuals and heartfelt moments that cater to those seeking an uplifting escape.

• # 8 of 13 on Underrated Adam Sandler Movies, Ranked By Sandman Fans
• # 18 of 87 on The 80+ Best Father-Daughter Movies
• # 8 of 15 on The Best Movies With Step Parents

Couples Retreat

Vince Vaughn, Malin Akerman, and Jason Bateman lead an all-star ensemble cast in this comedy about four couples who embark on a luxurious tropical island retreat. As they attempt to mend their relationships through various challenges and adventures, hilarity and chaos ensue. Couples Retreat showcases the breathtaking beauty of Bora Bora, providing viewers with a sense of escapism while reminding them of the importance of love and communication.

• # 673 of 702 on The All-Time Greatest Comedy Films
• # 15 of 63 on The Funniest Movies About Marriage
• # 8 of 51 on Every Vince Vaughn Movie, Ranked

Summer Rental

John Candy delivers yet another hilarious performance as overworked air traffic controller Jack Chester, who takes his family on a much-needed vacation to Florida. However, numerous mishaps and comical situations occur as they struggle to find relaxation and fun in their beachfront getaway. Summer Rental is a light-hearted film perfect for those looking for good laughs and warm-weather escapades.

• # 257 of 399 on The Best Movies Of The 1980s, Ranked
• # 85 of 233 on The Best '80s Comedy Movies, Ranked
• # 22 of 96 on The 90+ Best Movies Of 1985, Ranked

A group of recent high school grads set off on an unforgettable journey across Europe in search of one's long-lost online pen pal. Featuring a rich line-up of famous landmarks and tongue-in-cheek humor, EuroTrip promises an entertaining, fast-paced romp through multiple vacation destinations. It’s a perfect watch for those looking to indulge their wanderlust with a side of laughter.

• # 450 of 772 on The Most Rewatchable Movies
• # 591 of 702 on The All-Time Greatest Comedy Films
• # 46 of 99 on The Best Movies Of 2004, Ranked

Ed Helms steps into the role of Rusty Griswold in this reboot of the classic road trip comedy, accompanied by Christina Applegate as his wife. Inspired by his childhood memories, Rusty takes his own family across the country to Walley World, all the while adding plenty of humor and heart to this modern spin on a beloved travel tale. While updating the story for a new generation, this film still manages to evoke nostalgia for those familiar with its predecessors.

• # 20 of 55 on The Funniest Road Trip Comedy Movies
• # 10 of 13 on 13 Times Movies Used CGI For Absolutely No Good Reason
• # 94 of 130 on The Best R-Rated Comedies

Little Miss Sunshine

A charming and heartwarming tale, Little Miss Sunshine chronicles the trials and tribulations of an unconventional family as they embark on a cross-country road trip from New Mexico to California for their young daughter Olive (Abigail Breslin) to compete in a beauty pageant. With standout performances from Steve Carell, Toni Collette, and Greg Kinnear, this indie gem explores themes of love, dysfunction, and perseverance against striking backdrops that will inspire your wanderlust spirit.

• # 678 of 772 on The Most Rewatchable Movies
• # 391 of 702 on The All-Time Greatest Comedy Films
• # 45 of 66 on Movies You Wish You Could Still Watch for the First Time

Palm Springs

This time-loop romantic comedy features stellar performances from Andy Samberg and Cristin Milioti as wedding guests trapped repeating the same day over and over again. Set against the striking desert landscape of Palm Springs, this inventive, laugh-out-loud film explores love, personal growth, and the importance of living fully, making it an exceptional watch for those seeking both humor and insight in their vacation-themed entertainment.

• Dig Deeper... 20 Reactions To 'Palm Springs' That Threw Us Through A Loop
• # 502 of 702 on The All-Time Greatest Comedy Films
• # 9 of 45 on 50+ Quirky Romance Movies With Unique Love Stories

In this family-friendly adventure, Robin Williams stars as a busy executive who decides to rent an enormous recreational vehicle for a road trip vacation with his wife and kids. As they embark on their cross-country journey, comedic obstacles arise, testing their patience and resourcefulness. RV is a delightful reminder of the value of quality family time and the unexpected thrills of exploring the great unknown.

• # 16 of 55 on The Funniest Road Trip Comedy Movies
• # 25 of 50 on The Best Movies About Men Raising Kids
• # 10 of 26 on The Funniest Movies About Parenting

The Holiday

A glittering holiday favorite, The Holiday sees Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslet play two lovelorn women who impulsively swap homes for the holiday season. With breathtaking Californian and English countryside settings, heartening performances by Jack Black and Jude Law, and a dose of festive cheer, this feel-good rom-com is sure to warm the hearts of viewers seeking an idyllic escape.

• # 42 of 126 on The Best Christmas Movies Of All Time
• # 19 of 134 on The 100+ Best Movies For Date Night
• # 12 of 469 on The 400+ Best Chick Flicks Ever

Before Sunset

Nine years after a chance encounter on a European train in Before Sunrise , Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy reunite for an afternoon in Paris in this captivating romance. The film's smart, melancholic dialogue and stunning French backdrop make for an introspective and affecting experience that lingers long after the end credits. Before Sunset is an ideal choice for those seeking a more thought-provoking and picturesque vacation movie option.

• # 107 of 134 on The 100+ Best Movies For Date Night
• # 43 of 99 on The Best Movies Of 2004, Ranked
• # 14 of 17 on 17 Long-Anticipated Sequels That Were Totally Worth The Wait

Plotting an outrageous collegiate journey from New York to Texas, Road Trip follows a group of friends seeking to intercept a mistakenly mailed scandalous tape. Amidst the ensuing chaos, this raucous comedy embraces the spirit of adventure and kinship. Featuring lively escapades and unforgettable characters, Road Trip guarantees hilarity and excitement in equal measure.

• # 528 of 702 on The All-Time Greatest Comedy Films
• # 323 of 630 on The 600+ Funniest Movies Of All Time
• # 9 of 71 on The 70 Best College Movies

This uproarious coming-of-age comedy centers around the antics at a low-budget summer camp led by the irreverent counselor, Tripper Harrison, played by Bill Murray in his first major film role. Heartwarming and downright hilarious, Meatballs offers adventure, camaraderie, and unforgettable moments that whimsically capture the magic of summer camp, making it an enjoyable vacation-themed classic.

• # 364 of 702 on The All-Time Greatest Comedy Films
• # 38 of 78 on The Greatest Movies To Watch Outside
• # 147 of 199 on The Best Movies Of The '70s, Ranked

Under the Tuscan Sun

Diane Lane stars as Frances Mayes, a newly divorced writer who spontaneously purchases and revamps an old villa in the enchanting Italian countryside. Through heartwarming friendships, romance, and self-discovery, this evocative film highlights the healing power of travel while showcasing Italy's stunning landscapes and charming allure. Under the Tuscan Sun beautifully captures the essence of solo travel, making it a must-watch for wanderlust seekers.

• # 93 of 469 on The 400+ Best Chick Flicks Ever
• # 4 of 27 on The Best Movies About a Midlife Crisis in Women
• # 33 of 229 on The Best Movies For Women

Before Sunrise

In this swoon-worthy romantic drama, Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy portray two strangers who meet on a train in Europe and decide to spend a magical night exploring Vienna together. With poignant conversations and mesmerizing European vistas, Before Sunrise is an intimate, thoughtful look at chance encounters and fleeting connections, making it a captivating watch for fans of artful, contemplative storytelling.

• # 287 of 379 on The Best Movies Of The 1990s
• # 108 of 134 on The 100+ Best Movies For Date Night
• # 35 of 90 on The Best Movies Of 1995

The Way, Way Back

This coming-of-age tale follows 14-year-old Duncan (Liam James) as he reluctantly spends his summer vacation with his mother (Toni Collette), her boyfriend (Steve Carell), and his daughter at a beach house. Finding solace in a local water park, Duncan bonds with its colorful employees, led by Sam Rockwell’s character, Owen. The Way, Way Back is poignant and heartfelt, imparting life lessons while transporting viewers to a nostalgic summer vacation setting.

• # 24 of 70 on Great Quirky Movies for Grown-Ups
• # 42 of 60 on The Best Coming of Age Movies About Boys
• # 4 of 32 on Great Movies Set Along the Coast

Chronicling an unforgettable road trip through California's wine country, Sideways follows two middle-aged men, portrayed by Paul Giamatti and Thomas Haden Church, as they indulge in fine wines and reassess their personal lives. Infused with humor, poignancy, and stunning vineyard scenery, this critically acclaimed dramedy presents a heartfelt exploration of friendship and self-discovery against the backdrop of breathtaking landscapes.

• # 469 of 702 on The All-Time Greatest Comedy Films
• # 199 of 675 on The Best Movies Roger Ebert Gave Four Stars
• # 37 of 99 on The Best Movies Of 2004, Ranked

Tucker & Dale vs. Evil

A clever horror-comedy twist on the stereotypical hillbilly slasher trope, this cult favorite features Alan Tudyk and Tyler Labine as well-meaning bumpkins whose West Virginian retreat takes a gruesome turn when they cross paths with terror-stricken college kids. Offering hilarity, heart, and scares, this genre-bending film provides a unique escape for those seeking unconventional vacation programming.

• # 204 of 396 on The Best Horror Movies Of All Time
• # 365 of 630 on The 600+ Funniest Movies Of All Time
• # 15 of 35 on The Scariest Cabin Horror Movies

Before Midnight

Set against the romantic backdrop of Greece, Before Midnight concludes the tale of Jesse (Ethan Hawke) and Celine (Julie Delpy), whose relationship faces new challenges after nearly 20 years together. Blending with breathtaking Mediterranean scenery, this poignant yet engaging installment serves as an ode to lasting love and the complexities that come with it.

• # 14 of 37 on 25+ Great Movies About Depressing Couples
• # 12 of 14 on Franchises Where The Best Installment Came Way After The Original
• # 53 of 102 on The Best Movies About Struggling Relationships
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The most beautiful, stunning, unforgettable cities, beaches, and attractions at the world that should be at the very top of your Must-See list.

25 Best Summer Movies for Kids That Will Keep Them Busy All Season Long

For when they need a short break from the sun!

Every item on this page was chosen by a The Pioneer Woman editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

This list caters to kids of all ages, with Disney films like Luca and The Little Mermaid for the littlest members of your family, and more mature selections for teens and tweens like Now and Then and The Goonies . These best summer movies are kid-friendly, yes, but adults will love them just as much—for the feel-good factor as much as the nostalgia factor . Face it: you will probably be watching these movies right along with your kids! After all, you probably remember a lot of these summer classics from when you were a child yourself.

In all, summer can feel like one big action-packed adventure, but there are plenty of rainy days and lazy evenings where you'll need to fill the time. Now you'll have a list handy when the kids inevitably ask: "Can we watch a movie?"

Because Of Winn-Dixie

It feels like any Kate DiCamillo novel was destined to be a feel-good movie, especially ones like Because of Winn-Dixie . It tells the story of a young and lonely girl in the countryside, and how her newfound friendship with an adorable dog named Winn-Dixie helps her come out of her shell a bit. The world can be a beautiful place, and sometimes it just takes one friend to show you that!

Summer Eleven

Middle school is about to change everything for this group of friends. That's precisely why they choose to make the summer before their most unforgettable one yet! This is the season where they make the best memories and strengthen their bond like no other.

The Kids Who Saved Summer

Pro tip: don't ever try to tear down a local playground, especially during summertime. You may just run into a determined and passionate group of kids who happen to have a lot of time on their hands!

Cheaper By The Dozen 2

The Baker family is a fun (sometimes unruly) bunch! They've proven to have each other's back no matter what, which is especially important one summer vacation on the lake. Why? Well, there's a new family across the water who think they're better than everyone else—and the Bakers need to prove that that's not true!

Stanley is a young boy who never seems to have any luck—and he can probably blame that on the "family curse." So when he's wrongfully sent to as brutal summer camp, he's not necessarily surprised. Still, he's not happy about it, and neither are the kids that are sent there. For some reason, the warden keeps having the kids dig these holes in the dessert, and it's weirding them out!

There's no camp like Camp Rock, that's for sure! It's where the most talented and musically inclined teens go for a summer full of fun and competition! Can Mitchie, a first time camper, handle the heat of it all? (Literally and figuratively.)

Daddy Day Camp

Speaking of camps, watch as two fathers set up their own Daddy Day Camp! It's exactly what it sounds like, a summer babysitting company run by dads who seem to think they have what it takes. They immediately regret that decision when the pool of stubborn and adventurous kids role in, making for one stressful summer.

The Great Outdoors

Family vacays should be fun, but when your distant and spunky relatives decide to crash unannounced, the excitement quickly dissipates. Especially when the dangers out the outdoors prove to be too much for some family members to bear !

Secondhand Lions

Preteen Walter is sent to live in the country with his two uncles, Hub and Garth—two men who would rather be left alone! Things are off to a rocky start, but they all eventually learn to get a long, which makes for a heartwarming story after all.

Vada is an 11-year-old girl who is unfortunately deemed the weird girl in town. Her best friend (a boy named Thomas) doesn't seem to care, and is always at her side. Yes, even when she devises a plan to wreck her father's chance at love!

The Parent Trap

When these identical twins who were separated at birth come face to face at summer camp, they hatch a hilarious plot to swap places and reunite their parents.

The Sandlot

This beloved coming-of-age movie follows Scottie Smalls and his group of best friends as they spend the summer of 1962 playing baseball in the sandlot.

The Baby-Sitters Club

Introduce your kids to all your favorite characters from the bestselling book series by watching this fun film. In it, the babysitters start a summer camp for their clients and have lots of warm-weather adventures.

The Goonies

This classic follows a group of misfits known as "The Goonies" who embark on a treasure hunt to help save their homes from a greedy real estate developer.

Luca and his friend Alberto are having an unforgettable summer in their seaside town on the Italian Riviera. Only one thing could come between them and a good time: the fact that they're secretly sea monsters!

The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants

Four inseparable friends are spending their first summer apart. The one common thread is a magical pair of pants that somehow fits each girl perfectly.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid 3: Dog Days

Everybody's favorite wimp can't wait to spend his summer playing video games with his friends. The only thing standing in his way is one very disappointed dad.

Now and Then

This coming-of-age dramedy follows four pre-teen best friends as they share a pivotal summer in 1970. Flashing back and forth between that summer and a reunion 21 years later, this film shows how the events and friendships of our adolescence shape the people we become.

This sweet adventure film follows Sandy Ricks (Elijah Wood) as he spends the summer with his uncle in the seaside town of Coral Key. It's there that he meets and befriends a very special dolphin named Flipper.

The Karate Kid

This beloved classic is set in Southern California and was a huge hit in the summer of ‘84, so yes, we're sneaking it onto this list! Watch the original with your kids and then segue into the popular Netflix sequel series Cobra Kai .

Tierney McAfee is a freelance writer and Country Living and The Pioneer Woman contributor who covers entertainment, holiday & entertaining, food & drinks, design ideas, DIY, and more.

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Wealth of Geeks

Classic Tales for Quality Time: 15 Kids’ Films to Enjoy with Grandma

Posted: October 1, 2023 | Last updated: April 6, 2024

Watching films with a family member can be a great way to have fun memories, but it can be challenging when the family members have decades between them and can’t decide what suits them.

Luckily, we’ve compiled a list of movies kids can enjoy with their grandmothers. From timeless classics to modern favorites, these 15 films will bring joy and laughter to the kids and grandma’s movie night.

1. Aladdin (1992)

Aladdin is a classic Disney film that folks of all ages can enjoy. The lovable street urchin falls in love with the beautiful princess Jasmine who’s out of his league. To keep her love, he must face the evil Sultan Jafar. Aside from the beautiful story, the catchy songs make the film a masterpiece.

2. Toy Story (1995)

Take a trip to infinity and beyond with Toy Story ! This beloved Pixar film introduces us to Woody, Buzz Lightyear, and many lovable toys that come to life. It’s a tale that showcases the importance of loyalty and the joy of friendship. Toy Story is a movie that will leave both kids and grandparents smiling.

3. Finding Nemo (2003)

Dive into the ocean’s depths with the movie Finding Nemo , even though it is animation. This heartwarming adventure follows a clownfish named Marlin as he searches for his lost son, Nemo.

Along the way, they encounter the forgetful Dory, among other “helpful” characters. This movie teaches bravery and shows the lengths one would go to for their family.

4. A Goofy Movie (1995)

This movie is centered on Goofy and his teenage son, Max, as they embark on a hilarious road trip. It explores the experience of the father-son relationship while on a road trip and emphasizes the importance of embracing one’s true self.

A Goofy Movie offers powerful messages in its plot, heartwarming characters, and rib-cracking moments. It’s a film that will bring generations together in laughter and nostalgia.

5. Coco (2017)

Coco is a breathtaking cinematic gem crafted by Pixar. The film revolves around Miguel’s journey into the vibrant Land of the Dead. Overcome with the zeal to be great, he explores his family’s hidden musical history.

This enchanting tale of love, memory, and following one’s passion will leave a lasting impression on viewers.

6. Castle In The Sky (1986)

Castle in the Sky is an adventure movie that will appeal to lovers of this genre. The movie is about young Pazu and Sheeta, who journey through a fantastical world of floating castles, sky pirates, and ancient mysteries. This thrilling tale of friendship will keep the entire family reeling from excitement.

7. The Fox and the Hound

While a little sad, this classic Disney movie is sure to delight grandparents and kids alike. The beautiful, old-style animation and cute characters will entertain even the most discerning of movie fans. 

8. My Neighbor Totoro (1988)

My Neighbor Totoro is a film about two sisters who move to the countryside with their father. As they explore their new home, they encounter magical creatures who keep them company while in the town.

It’s a delightful tale filled with friendship, imagination, and wonders of nature.

9. The Emperor’s New Groove (2000)

The Emperor’s New Groove is an animated comedy movie about a young emperor transformed into a llama to regain his throne. This film has colorful characters and entertaining adventures for the young and old.

10. The Iron Giant (1999)

This animated movie is about a young boy who befriends a giant robot from outer space. It explores friendship, acceptance, and the power of choice. It’s a captivating film one will appreciate for its endearing characters and powerful messages.

11. Madagascar (2005)

Madagascar is a fun-filled, animated adventure film that follows a group of animals. While trying to escape captivity, they unexpectedly find themselves in the wild.

Starring characters like Alex and Marty, this movie’s sparkling humor is one reason it is among the most loved in the animation world.

12. Rango (2011)

Rango is one movie with an excellent plot and stunning visuals. It is about the adventures of a chameleon, the sheriff of a wild town. The film contains clever references and witty dialogue, and the animation is top-notch.

13. A Bug’s Life (1998)

A Bug’s Life is an animated film that takes you into the miniature world of ants. The plot centers on their struggle against a group of menacing grasshoppers. This film offers endearing characters, beautiful animation, and a heartwarming story about courage and teamwork.

14. The Lego Movie (2014)

The Lego Movie is a great movie for the entire family, with jokes that will be funny for so many age ranges. Plus, a lot of the characters are voiced by a lot of popular actors including Will Arnett, Chris Pratt, Will Ferrel, and Elizabeth Banks. 

15. The Mitchell’s vs. the Machines (2021)

The Mitchell’s vs. the Machines is such a fun movie about family dynamics and trying to find a common ground with the people you love the most. When a family road trip turns into a world-saving mission, this family will have to figure out their strengths as a family in order to save themselves and the world.

Source: Reddit. 

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Everything to know about ‘Sasquatch Sunset,’ the absurd Bigfoot movie

Jesse eisenberg and directors david and nathan zellner go inside the outlandish, uncomfortable process of grunting their way through this hairy cinematic tale.

“Sasquatch Sunset” is perhaps the weirdest R-rated family movie you’ll ever see. The art-house film from brother-directors David and Nathan Zellner (“Kumiko, The Treasure Hunter”) plays like a nature documentary for stoners who go to midnight screenings. Imagine being immersed in a family of primate-human hybrids through four seasons of their lives as they fornicate, defecate, mourn, experience terror and fight for survival in the idyll of their habitat deep in the woods of Eureka, Calif.

Maybe you’ve heard that it stars Jesse Eisenberg and Riley Keough — not that you would know it, since they’re covered in hairy prostheses the entire time. Or that the film, which hits theaters Friday, contains no human language, only grunts and yelps. Or that it features enough gross-out bodily functions that some audience members at the Sundance Film Festival, where it premiered in January, went racing for the door .

What you may not have heard, though, is that it’s a very funny and surprisingly moving look at an endangered species from their point of view as humanity encroaches. When I saw it at Sundance, audience members were falling out of their seats laughing and ran out of the theater yelping like sasquatches. This is a movie that, if nothing else, demands to be seen, at least so you can know where you stand on the love-hate divide. We spoke with the Zellner brothers and Eisenberg to answer all your burning questions. Sasquatch ahead!

The Style section

Wait, it’s r-rated.

Yes, for “sexual content, full nudity and bloody images.” You do see masturbation and plenty of sex, plus some death and dismemberment. David laughs just thinking about the MPAA coming up with that rating: “It’s funny because there’s no bad language, obviously. But the description for the R-rating I love because it’s, like, for full nudity — not partial nudity — but it’s all nudity of mythical creatures.”

Eisenberg, on the other hand, says he was “pissed off,” having been in plenty of violent movies that probably deserved an R but squeaked by without one. “It’s just frustrating because it limits the audience,” he says. “I really do think that the 13-year-old Jesse would have flipped for a movie like this. Young teenagers are just way more open, in my opinion.”

Why sasquatches?

The Zellners have been obsessed with sasquatch lore since they were kids, and even made a wordless Sundance short in 2011 called “ Sasquatch Birth Journal 2 ,” starring Nathan as a mama squatting in a tree to give birth. (He plays the alpha male sasquatch in this film.) Most Bigfoot films are family films or horror films from the perspective of the humans, “and the Bigfoot/sasquatch is relegated to the background as a sort of boogeyman,” David says. Instead, they wanted to make a big-hearted, 89-minute movie thoroughly immersed in the world of sasquatches that’s part drama and part slapstick comedy. “There’s so much in this film that if you saw your dog or cat do, it’s completely normalized,” David says. “But when you see these creatures with humanlike qualities, it suddenly becomes both much more uncomfortable and also hilarious.”

Where did they shoot?

The actors spent 25 days in the same Northern California woods where the famous 1967 Patterson-Gimlin film was shot, launching the imagery of Bigfoot as we know it, along with generations of conspiracists. That area is also, coincidentally, the epicenter of Bigfoot sightings in the United States.

Why cast actors instead of, say, stunt people?

Eisenberg had the same question, and was confused when the Zellners, whom he’s known for years, handed him the script. He had just assumed they would go with pros who are great with physical movement. But within five pages, he says, he realized how emotional the film was, and how it would require actors who could pull off comic timing and body language that had to be funny and clear.

It’s also, let’s face it, a bit of a stunt to cast Keough and Eisenberg and then cover them in prostheses and fur. “Casting these names, and then you don’t see them — there’s an absurdity to that, as well,” David says.

Why is Jesse Eisenberg in this?

He’s not only in it, he’s a producer! As a millennial who lives in New York and is the child of animal rights activists, he says he relished a chance to reconnect with nature.

Plus, he immediately connected with the (nameless) beta male character he would eventually play. “If I were a sasquatch, this is who I would be,” he says. “I would be the one looking at the trees when I walk, not just somebody aggressively looking for their next meal. I would be the one who, when I’m asking the female to mate with me, I do it timidly and with a bouquet of ferns as opposed to the alpha, who just jumps in.” He was also touched by his character’s efforts to count privately in his spare time. He tries to get to five, but he can only ever get to four.

And what about Riley Keough?

The short answer seems to be that Eisenberg talked her into it. They worked together when she produced his 2023 movie “Manodrome,” about a bodybuilder who goes on a shooting rampage. Eisenberg knew she loves strange projects, and she had an opening in her schedule. “Riley’s one of these unusual actresses who feels more comfortable in extremis, is that the right phrase?” says Eisenberg. “She’s a wonderful, natural actor, but she feels more comfortable in roles that require some kind of extreme behavior.”

Her one request to the Zellners was that she get to be “the most feral,” she told Collider .

How did they nail the sasquatches’ movements and language?

The actors did what Eisenberg calls “sasquatch boot camp,” hiring a miming coach, Lorin Eric Salm, who studied under Marcel Marceau. First, they practiced movements on Zoom, such as grasping food with their hands rather than fingers. Then they spent months loping around their own homes. The first time they got together, “we were just rolling around on the floor of an office in Northern California, feeding each other ferns and throwing sticks at each other,” says Nathan. The goal was to make the species feel cohesive, like it wasn’t four different people’s interpretations of sasquatches.

The language was simple: They just decided on some whoops and grunts that would correlate with certain actions or directives. “What they’re doing is very repetitive,” Eisenberg says. “Their lives are a harrowing tale of survival, but the activities they do are pretty similar day-to-day. Essentially, somebody finds a good berry and tells the others to come over.”

What was it like shooting in those costumes in the middle of the woods for 12 hours a day?

Physically, the experience was “excruciating,” Eisenberg says. They would spend two hours getting glue and prostheses and yak hair applied to their faces, and then slip into a tight, heavy suit. Eating lunch was too difficult, and specially outfitted bottles were required just to drink water.

The flip side “was wearing this gorgeous art project,” Eisenberg says. “You would be really exhausted and feeling claustrophobic to the point of thinking you’re going crazy, and then you would look at a mirror and just think, I am so lucky. ”

Did Nathan Zellner direct as a sasquatch?

Absolutely! Most of the time, it made sense for him to get into costume in the morning, even if he didn’t have a scene scheduled till the end of the day, “which makes for really interesting behind-the-scene pics,” he says.

How did the actors pee?

They were shooting in deep, deep forest and using portable restrooms. “We couldn’t wear our good sasquatch feet to the bathroom,” Eisenberg says, noting bathroom breaks involved complicated costume tweaks, such as taking off their feet and heads.

Luckily, he says, they didn’t need to go often because they were sweating so much. “Any kind of liquid we would drink would immediately pour down our bodies, hitting the industrial-sized amount of baby powder that was poured on our pants every morning to sop up the sweat.”

What happened when civilians stumbled upon the set?

Most of the people driving by were loggers. “Whenever we did come across anyone, they were very nonplussed,” David says. “It was like, ‘Oh yeah, another Bigfoot.’”

It did cross Eisenberg’s mind that the actors should wear orange vests when walking from their trailers to the set, “because if anybody’s going to get shot, its going to be the four people that look like sasquatch.”

Do you need to be stoned to enjoy it?

Eisenberg says no! “‘Sasquatch Sunset’ is actually the most interesting thing you’ll see in your life. So you could save your money and just go to it sober.”

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'Spy x Family: Code White' Review: The Beloved Anime Gets a Fun Movie

Anya, Twilight, and the Thorn Princess make their big screen debut!

The Big Picture

• Spy x Family: Code White is a standalone adventure suitable for new viewers, efficiently recapping the series' plot.
• The film balances all main characters effectively, with Anya being the driving force and Yor's role serving as comic relief.
• Code White offers great action sequences and animation but lacks new perspectives, making it more like an extended filler episode.

Of all the things that make Spy x Family so unique, the main element is that we instantly fell in love with the Forgers. Whether we’re following Twilight’s daring adventures, Yor’s intense battles, or Anya getting into hilarious situations, there’s never a dull moment for our favorite fake family. Spy x Family: Code White marks the series' first time on the big screen , and while it’s not without its faults, the film stays true to what makes Spy x Family such an exceptional anime.

Spy x Family Code: White

Spy x Family: Code White sees Anya and her parents go on a family road trip as they try to finish a school project . This reasonably simple premise allows the film to focus on the Forgers without diving deep into a massive villain plot or introducing a ton of exposition and unnecessary world-building. Instead, the film sticks to the basics, which is all it ever really needed to do.

'Spy x Family: Code White' is the Franchise at Its Best

Spy x Family: Code White is a standalone adventure that anyone can watch without seeing the anime’s previous two seasons. The film encourages new viewers to jump right in as it does a fantastic job efficiently recapping the show’s plot. When we meet the family in Code White , it’s very much a day in the life of the Forgers, making it easy for all viewers to get into.

The film is essentially a nostalgic journey through Spy x Family ’s greatest hits, as we see almost every major character appear, and the film doesn’t cover any themes not seen in the series. However, it’s still an entertaining watch. The film’s main storyline focuses on Anya accidentally getting mixed up in a villain plot while the Forgers are out on a family trip. Coinciding with Twilight also having to stop said villains, Yor gets suspicious of Loid’s behavior and suspects infidelity. These familiar themes, executed with precision, are what make the film stand out and evoke a sense of connection for returning fans.

One of the major struggles of Spy x Family has always been balancing the screen time between the three main characters. In Season 1, Yor was rarely the main focus, while in Season 2, Twilight’s role was significantly reduced. Code White does the incredible feat of keeping every character relevant to the plot and leaning into their strengths. Anya, like always, is the driving force of the film. She’s the only one consistently aware of what’s happening at all times, which always puts her at the center of events. Anya brings that sense of joy and childlike wonder as she gets into trouble. At the same time, Yor’s role in the film is much more subtle. She’s often used as comic relief, but her fears are real; losing this family can leave her with nothing, and we see that she legitimately cares for Anya and Loid. The threat of this family falling apart is again not entirely new to the series. Still, the execution is good enough to make it feel earned, especially when Twilight’s directives change throughout the film.

'Spy x Family: Code White' Might Not Be Best For Returning Fans

Unfortunately, Code White 's strengths are also a double-edged sword . The film, while entertaining, adds little for those familiar with the series. With little bearing on Operation S.T.R.I.X. , this entire mission can be viewed as an extended filler episode. We know Twilight and Yor stay together and that Anya’s safety is not in danger, which undercuts much of the dramatic tension the film hopes to create. With no real sense of urgency, Spy x Family: Code White feels like it can drag on a bit, especially in the second act. It also doesn't help that the film's main antagonist, Snidel, was not that interesting. He's a serviceable foil for Twilight and Anya, but he serves no purpose outside of being a bad guy who needs to be punched.

The film does have great action sequences , and the animation is some of the best we’ve seen in the franchise. The 1960s aesthetic aids the classic spy feel, making the art stand out. Twilight is in his James Bond bag as the spy antics are amped to a level we haven’t seen since Season 1, while Yor specifically has a highlight moment during her third-act battle with a new villain. Anya and Bond do their usual slapstick moments that are still cute but might overstay their welcome just a bit too long.

The film needed to take bigger swings to have a lasting impact. It keeps the status quo of the anime and doesn’t do anything to give a new perspective or spin on these characters. While the status quo is still the series that has become a cultural phenomenon, we can only look at Code White and wonder just how great it could’ve been if it had attempted something new.

Spy x Family: Code White is a fun adventure with the Forger family . However, it offers very little for those looking for a more character-driven story or even a threatening new antagonist to Twilight. Instead, they keep things consistent with the show so it's an easy entry for new viewers. If you’ve enjoyed the series up to this point, you’d have fun with the film. Just know that it’s not mandatory viewing. That said, a day in the life of the Forgers is still an outstanding time.

Spy x Family: Code White is a fun journey with the familiar characters of the series though doesn't add much of anything new.

• The film stays true to what made the anime series so great.
• All of the characters get the attention they deserve, ensuring the movie remains balanced.
• The animation is some of the best we've seen from the series, with great action sequences providing plenty of highlights.
• While consistent, there is still something lacking from the movie as it doesn't take that extra leap into something new.

Spy x Family: Code White is now in theaters in the U.S. in the original Japanese subtitles and English Dub. Click below for showtimes near you.

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Spy x Family Code: White fails the mission by serving every fan

You will enjoy half the movie

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I love when Spy x Family veers into slice-of-life drama. I like seeing super duper capable spy Loid Forger and lethal assassin Yor navigate mundane activities like cooking dinner or planning date nights. I’m giddy when telepathic Anya uses her powers in a dodgeball match. I’m sure there are fans that prefer the more action-heavy, spy-thriller episodes, but I like when studios Wit and Cloverworks keep it chill. With 20 episodes a season, the anime has the space to deftly balance these two tones.

Spy x Family Code: White tries to dance that dance without the same rhythm. The new movie clocks in at almost two hours, but no matter what type of Spy x Family fan you are, only one half of it will be a delight and the other will be a slog.

[ Ed. note: This review contains some spoilers for Spy x Family ]

In Spy x Family Code: White , the Forger family goes on vacation to an idyllic mountain village. There is a big ulterior motive for this: Anya’s newest class assignment involves cooking a dessert, and if she bakes the best dessert, she’ll get a coveted Stella, the school’s premier academic prize. And since she needs as many Stellas as possible to secure a spot at an elite party, where her family can meet the prime minister, Loid decides the best strategy is to research the headmaster’s favorite dessert hands-on.

At the same time, the future of Operation Strix is up in the air. Loid really wants Anya to win this contest so that he can have leverage to stay on the assignment. Oh, and, thanks to a misunderstanding, Yor thinks Loid might be cheating on their (fake) marriage.

Directed by Spy x Family episode director Takashi Katagiri, the first half of the movie involves a lot of lighthearted shenanigans, with some spy stuff sprinkled in. It’s my ideal ratio. Loid, Yor, Anya, and precognitive family dog Bond traverse across this mountain village, which looks like something out of a Hallmark movie, looking for ingredients so that the chef at the restaurant can make the dessert. This, of course, also involves Loid using his spy-trained marksmanship to beat a carnival game so he can snag an elusive bottle of orange liqueur and Yor accidentally kicking Loid out of a ferris wheel car with her super strong assassin legs when he tries to kiss her.

And while the shenanigans are happening, there are also some nice threads about family and spending time with one another. Loid wants to handle everything by himself, but Yor insists that they need to do things together as a family, because that’s what will be important in the end. Anya’s worried about Operation Strix falling apart and possibly losing her family because of it.

But there are hints of a larger plotline, involving the military of Ostania and some crucial piece of intel that could ignite a war. At first it’s woven into the background, but it ramps up suddenly toward the back half of the movie, and the tone shifts into heavier action and thriller mode.

Yes, there are still a bunch of funny gags (including a prolonged joke about Anya trying to hold her poop in, which is far funnier than it sounds on paper), but there’s also a lot of kicking and explosions and a whole lot of complicated made-up political issues (which in true Anime OVA fashion are resolved neatly so they won’t really affect the next season). I’m sure this is exciting for a certain type of Spy x Family fan, but I spent the second half of the movie daydreaming about what the plot could’ve been if the Forgers spent the next half hour trying to make the overly complicated dessert instead. I know there are people out there who would want the dessert plotline sped up.

As a TV show, Spy x Family expertly handles these tone changes. Having 20-plus episode seasons means a nice balance of both the sillier and the more serious episodes — and because the episodes clock in at half an hour, it never feels like too much focus on one thing. But as a movie, Spy Family Code: White can’t strike that balance. Each half of the movie represents a different aspect of Spy x Family ’s appeal , and each half is quite good for what it’s supposed to be. They just don’t gel together at feature length. When the tone shifts, it locks in and doesn’t really have as much give as the show. Still, no matter what type of Spy x Family fan you are, you’ll enjoy at least half of the movie.

Spy Family Code: White is out in theaters today.

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