50 Family Road Trip Movies to See With Teens This Year

Tis the season for family vacation movies. Fresh air, sunshine, and a whole lot of fun. And maybe a few mishaps, high jinks, and a squabble or two along the way. In the end, everything will turn out fine, and it’s more of a bonding experience than anything else.

To get you in the mood for summer vacation and road trip season, we thought we’d put together a list of some of our favorite family trip movies suited for older children, teens, and adults. These vacation movies are sure to inspire a sense of wanderlust and adventure.

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We’ll also offer up some tips along the way in case you decide to take a similar trip of your own with the fam.

Best Family Road Trip Movies to See

If you’re looking for great road trip movies to watch with the family, there are a number of places to look. You can find many of the movies on this list on streaming services such as Amazon Prime, Hulu, Netflix, and Disney+. Service plans offer the ability to download TV shows and movies to play on the go. Perfect for road trips and long flights!

If you don’t have these services, click these links for exclusive savings just for Little Family Adventure readers.

Free Amazon Prime 30-day trial membership
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STARZ – $3 for 3-month trial
Peacock TV starts at $4.99/mo after trial
Hulu – Starts at $7.99 a month
Max – formerly HBO Max $15.99 a month plan gives you 30 downloads or $19.99/mo plan gives you 100 downloads

If you have a DVD or Blu-Ray player at home or in your car, you can purchase or rent the movies from online stores such as Amazon or check local stores like Walmart.

1. National Lampoon’s Vacation (1983) – Rated R

This 1980s flick is the ultimate family vacations movie, so it tops our list. The Griswold family pile into their wood-striped station wagon and drive cross-country to Wally World theme park. And as is typical with this gang, chaos, and hilarity ensue along the way. It’s one of the best movies that proves that it’s the trip and not the destination that matters.

Clark Griswold played by Chevy Chase and Ellen Groswold played by Beverly D’Angelo, though eccentric at times, paint a pretty clear picture of the average middle-class family in the 80s. Many families like them were looking for ways to cut costs while still enjoying a family trip. And many still do the same today.

So if you want to take your own budget family road trip like the Griswolds, here are some tips:

Plan your stops and activities ahead of time — if you do too many things spontaneously, you will likely end up spending more money.
Pack food in the car so you don’t always have to stop and pay for fast food, which can add up quickly.
Instead of stopping at hotels or motels, you can find campgrounds to stop at, which are usually more affordable.

2. A Goofy Movie (1995) – Rated G

A Goofy Movie is a 90s animated classic that is both heartwarming and fun for the whole family to enjoy. In this film, we get the lovable Goofy and his teen son, Max, struggling to understand one another.

To repair their relationship, Goofy plans a father-son fishing trip across the country. And as you might expect, things don’t go exactly according to plan, but somewhere along the way, they learn more about one another and form a closer bond.

3. The Mitchells vs. the Machines (2021) – Rated PG

In a more recent animated release, we’ve got The Mitchells vs. the Machines. Though this one features a family and their college-age daughter, it’s enjoyable for the whole family, even younger kids if you’ve got them.

This one is about Katie Mitchell, a nerdy aspiring filmmaker who clashes with her nature-loving dad, who despises technology. After a bit of a quarrel, Katie’s Dad, Rick, decides to cancel her flight to college and decides to take the family on a bonding road trip to the college instead.

The whole Mitchell gang, including Katie’s mother, younger brother, and their dopey dog, Monchi, pile into their old station wagon and hit the road. What they don’t expect along the way is a robot invasion and having to band together, put their differences aside, and save the world.

It’s quirky, charming, goofy, and witty — everything you’d want from a family summer trip movie.

4. Home Alone (1990) – Rated PG

Another 90s classic is Home Alone. Though this film is set during the holidays, we’d be remiss if we didn’t add it to the list. It’s sort of a family trip cautionary tale about what not to do when you go on a family vacation — accidentally leave your kid behind.

Of course, good old Kevin survives by using his clever pranks on two burglars instead of on his family, for once. There are certainly a few hairy moments, but he makes it through. Meanwhile, the rest of the McCallister family is scrambling, trying to figure out how to turn their family trip into a save Kevin rescue mission. But all ends well.

If there’s one thing you can learn from this film, it’s how to better prepare for your next international family trip. Don’t be like the McCallisters and leave your kid behind, but also, make sure everyone is packed and ready before you leave, make sure you’ve got your passports, and set multiple alarms so you don’t miss your flight.

5. Cheaper By the Dozen 2 (2005) – Rated PG

In this laugh-out-loud sequel, the Baker parents, Steve Martin & Bonnie Hunt, take their twelve kids on one last family vacation to Lake Winnetka, an old family tradition. Some of the kids are growing up and moving away, but Tom Baker is determined to have one final hurrah at their old cabin.

Their idyllic vacation, however, turns into an outrageous affair when the family arrives to find Tom Baker’s rival and his family also staying at the lake for the summer. Instead of a peaceful and relaxing bonding experience, the trip turns into a ridiculous series of competitions between the two families.

6. UP (2009) – Rated PG

Some people take their cars, some take an RV, others take an airplane — but Carl Fredericksen takes his house to travel across the world.

Facing eviction and sentencing to a retirement community, Carl turns his home into somewhat of an airship by tethering it to thousands of balloons. His destination? Paradise Falls — the place he and his late wife dreamed of exploring.

However, before he sets off, he gains an unexpected stowaway, young Russell the Wilderness Explorer. But there’s no turning back, so Carl is stuck with the loquacious Russel for the entire trip — and they end up forming an unlikely bond along the way.

Certainly, it would be the ultimate comfort to have your entire house with you while traveling, but as we live in the real world and not a PIXAR film, here are some other tips for maintaining your comfort while traveling:

Ensure all the medications you’ll need to keep you comfortable are packed and organized.
Pack things that will keep you comfortable, such as pillows, blankets, face wipes, gum, hand sanitizer, etc.
Wear your most comfortable clothes, as comfort is more important than making a fashion statement while traveling.

7. Little Miss Sunshine (2006) – Rated R

In this Oscar-nominated film and winner of Best Original Screenplay, the dysfunctional Hoover family hops into their old VW bus to take 7-year-old Olive to a beauty pageant across the country.

The entire band of misfits is ready to support little Olive’s dreams, despite the inappropriate nature of the dance she is set to perform at the pageant. Unfortunately, the aforementioned dance gets her disqualified, but her quirky family has her back and takes the stage with her to support her.

This is definitely one of the more oddball, quirky films on the list, and with the R rating, it’s not appropriate for younger kids, but it’s still an excellent film and worth a watch due to its nominations.

8. The Great Outdoors (1988) – Rated PG

In this 80s film starring main characters John Candy and Dan Aykroyd, the Ripley family set off on a lakeside vacation at Wally and Juanita’s Perk’s Pine Lodge Resort. Unfortunately, what’s meant to be an enjoyable family trip turns into a bit of chaos when the inlaws arrive uninvited.

9. RV (2006) – Rated PG

RV, which came out in 2006 and stars Robin Williams, shows that some of the best family vacations are ones spent on the road. This is my favorite family vacation movie. Unfortunately for this family, none of them know anything about RVing, but they are surely going to learn. And while this movie showcases ridiculous situations a family may encounter while traveling in their RV, it may be best not to mimic certain scenes if you value your safety or the integrity of the environment. Instead, it’s best to prioritize researching safe and sustainable RV travel tips, such as:

Only pack what you need.
Bring reusable containers and recycle as much as possible.
Dispose of your trash and waste from the trip responsibly.

10. Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey (1993) – Rated G

This 90s family classic goes to show that families are more than just human connections — our pets are our family too. And in this film, it’s the animals in the family that go on a trip together filled with excitement, danger, and plenty of heartfelt moments.

Chance the mutt, Sassy the Siamese cat, and Shadow the Golden Retriever find themselves journeying across America when they get left behind while their owners go on vacation. Worried they’ve been forgotten, the three pets band together to travel through forests and countryside to find their humans that they love so much.

11. Grown Ups (2010) – Rated PG 13

In this chaotic and laugh-out-loud flick, five high school friends reunited decades later to honor the passing of their basketball coach. With their families in tow, they all meet up for a weekend at the lake. However, instead of their kids having all the adolescent fun, the adults let loose as well and have a blast reliving their youth as they make new memories and strengthen their bonds.

12. Johnson Family Vacation (2004) – Rated PG 13

This early Aughts movie follows a family of misfits that can’t quite seem to quit butting heads as they make their way cross-country to their annual family reunion. This is one of those family trip movies where everything that can go wrong does — even their onboard navigation system has a meltdown. Through it all, they come out on top and strengthen their bonds, despite the many obstacles they had to face together.

13. The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (2012) – PG 13

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey follows Bilbo Baggins, who is swept into an epic quest to reclaim the lost Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor from the fearsome dragon Smaug. Along the way, he meets a cast of characters that include Gandalf the Grey, 13 Dwarves, and Gollum who holds a mysterious ring. Journeying through treacherous lands filled with goblins, armies of Orcs led by Azog the Defiler, and giant Spiders, Bilbo faces a choice between courage or cowardice that will determine his fate and that of Middle Earth.

Bilbo’s journey is perfect for families looking for vacation or road trip-themed movies, as it has all the thrills and excitement associated with leaving home on an adventure. From exploring ancient ruins to outwitting trolls and facing down dragons in dark caverns deep beneath the Misty Mountains; there’s something in The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey for everyone!

14. Cars (2006) – G

In this family fun film, it’s not the family of animals traveling together or even the humans, it’s the cars themselves. In fact, the cars are the ones that live like people and run the world. And one car, in particular, steals the spotlight: Lightning McQueen.

McQueen is a young, and perhaps a bit naive, racecar who learns some life lessons when he finds himself stuck in a small town off Route 66 after getting lost on his way cross-country to the famous Piston Cup race. The town is full of some charming and even kooky characters — all of whom become like family to McQueen and support him on his journey to win the race.

15. The Way Way Back (2013) – Rated PG 13

In this coming-of-age comedy, we follow shy, 14-year-old Duncan as he goes on summer vacation with his mom and her autocratic boyfriend and his daughter. All signs point to the worst summer ever, as Duncan is expected to be sociable and make new friends with the locals in the beach town where they are staying.

However, instead of moping all summer, Duncan finds support in the form of a found family of adult employees running the local water park. In the end, they help each other grow up, have confidence, and find their place in life.

16. Finding Nemo (2003) – Rated G

Not all family trips happen on the road. In this beloved Pixar classic, we follow a father and son clown-fish duo as they make their way across the open sea… separately. Early on in the film, Marlin loses his son Nemo, and he sets out on his own to find him. But along the way, he gains a lovable yet loopy companion, Dory — a blue tang suffering from short-term memory loss.

We also get Nemo’s perspective as he tries to escape a fish tank full of other quirky aquatic sea creatures and get back to the ocean and his dad. This film is full of moments that will have the entire family giggling and sniffing away their tears as father and son fight to find their way back to one another.

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17. Moana (2016) – PG

Disney’s Moana is an adventurous story about a young girl who sets out on an epic journey with the demigod Maui to save her people. Along the way, Moana bravely faces monsters and creatures of the sea, discovering her identity and inner strength. With beautiful music, colorful characters, and thrilling action sequences, families will be delighted by this modern classic.

Moana’s story offers an inspiring message for kids to take risks in life, to discover their true purpose and to never give up. As she takes on monumental tasks beyond her reach, she finds strength in herself that she didn’t know she had. Families looking for a great movie for their next road trip or vacation will love Moana. It’s great for all ages with humor sprinkled throughout that both adults and children will enjoy!

18 – 30: Other Family Vacation Movies to Watch This Year

There are countless vacation movies that you can enjoy with the family. Here is a list of more titles we watch as a family and we think they’re worth mentioning. Whether you are looking download films for an upcoming road trip or to watch on your next family movie night, these are films that you will really enjoy.

18. Hotel Transylvania (2012) – PG

19. Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation (2018) – PG

20. Mr. Bean’s Holiday (2007) – G

21. Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul (2017) – PG

22. We’re the Millers (2013) – R

23. College Road Trip (2008) – G – a comical family vacation movie about a college-bound girl who takes a road trip with her overbearing father

24. Midnight in Paris (2011) – PG 13

25. Mr. Hobbs Takes a Vacation (1962) – G

26. Vacation (2015) – R

27. Moonrise Kingdom (2012) – PG 13

28. Yes Day (2021) – PG – the story of two parents deciding to give their children a “yes day” – Can you imagine?

29. The Anderssons Hit the Road (2013) – PG

30. A Very Brady Sequel (1996) – PG 13

31. Jurassic Park (1993) – PG 13

32. Dirty Dancing (1987) – PG 13 – Classic romantic drama that captures the struggles of a young dance instructor who falls in love with unexpected love interest at a family summer camp. Though the movie may seem corny to some, the dance choreography is iconic.

33. Paddington 2 (2017) – PG – Perfect family movie

34. Mr Bean’s Holiday (2007) – G

35. The Muppet Movie (1979) – G

36. The Princess Bride (1987) – PG

37. Fantastic Mr Fox (2009) – PG

38. The Parent Trap (1998) – PG – the story of identical twins separated at birth who meet each other for the first time at summer camp

39. Up (2009) – PG – a story of an elderly man and a boy scout who embark on an adventure to South America

40. Into The Wild (2007) – R – Also a great book – the story of a man who left his life to go into the Alaskan wilderness. It is a powerful story of resilience and self-discovery that will make you think about your life and its direction.

41. Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants (2005) – PG-13

42. Little Miss Sunshine (2006) – R

43. Planes, Trains and Automobiles (1987) – R – Comedy classic among vacation movies about two mismatched travelers.

44. The Lion King (2019) – PG

45. Forrest Gump (1994) – PG-13

46. Dumb and Dumber (1994) – PG-13 two friends take a road trip to return a briefcase full of money and end up in the Rocky Mountains at the Stanley Hotel in Estes Park.

47. The Goonies (1985) – PG – Adventure movie about a group of kids on an epic quest to find pirate treasure.

48. Madagascar (2005) – PG

49. The Wizard of Oz (1939) – G

50. Coco (2017) – PG

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