There's just something about the call of the open road that promises a break from the heat of summer. And while most of us don't seek the kind of adventures shown in the following list of movies, riding along in the passenger seat is just right for a lazy summer afternoon. Especially since the car--usually a classic of some kind--is often as much a part of the action as the actors. So fasten your seat belts, it's gonna be a bumpy ride … or at least chock full of ridiculously fun hijinks.
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The Muppet Movie (1979)
Starring: Jim Hensen (voices) and Frank Oz (voices)
Kermit ditches the swamp and heads for Hollywood, determined to become a star. The green frog picks up new friends once he hits the road--Fozzie, Miss Piggy, Gonzo, and more Muppet favorites--and tries to avoid the evil Doc Hopper, who wants him to promote his frog leg restaurant. The gang encounter a plethora of Hollywood notables, including Mel Brooks, Bob Hope, Madeline Kahn, and Richard Pryor as they try to make it big. The bouncy, Paul Williams penned score will stick with you for days, and you can't help bob your head as Kermit and Fozzie sing "Movin' Right Along" because you want to be there, movin' right along side them.
Rain Man (1988)
Starring: Tom Cruise and Dustin Hoffman
When hot-shot Los Angeles car dealer Charlie (Cruise) learns that his late father has left a $3 million estate to his heretofore unknown--and mentally disabled--brother Raymond (Hoffman) and all he got was a 1948 Buick convertible, he sets off in the car to kidnap his brother and get the money for himself. As with any good road trip, the hijinks involve a stop in Vegas after Charlie discovers Raymond's autistic savant carries over to counting cards. Still, the touching story offers a journey of discovery for Charlie as he gets to know the brother he wasn't even aware he had and you feel his loss as he realizes he isn't capable of caring for him alone. Winner of the 1989 Academy Award for Best Picture.
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Thelma and Louise (1991)
Starring: Susan Sarandon and Geena Davis
A short weekend getaway turns into the fugitive road trip of a life time when Louise (Sarandon) shoots the man who tried to attack Thelma (Davis). With the feds on their tail, the women decide to make a run for Mexico and lead the authorities on a cross-country chase. More than just a chick flick, the strong female characters offered audiences a smart and funny gender reversal on the typical buddies-on-the-road formula of the day. And no one will forget the now iconic shot of the '66 Thunderbird flying out over the canyon. Girl power was never the same.
Road Trip (2000)
Starring: Breckin Meyer, Seann William Scott, and Amy Smart
Appropriately named, this by-the-numbers teen flick follows Josh (Meyer) as he tries to intercept a package containing a videoed encounter with an infatuation (Smart) that was accidentally mailed to his girlfriend. Friends E.L. (Scott), Kyle (D.J. Qualls), and Rubin (Paulo Costanzo) hit the highway with him and, predictably, hijinks ensue: a car explodes, a bus is stolen, French toast is horribly violated … but for all that, no schmaltzy lessons are learned along the way. This is simply a tale of three guys on the road with one mission in mind, okay, maybe two: get the package and have fun.
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Harold and Kumar Go To White Castle (2004)
Starring: John Cho and Kal Penn
Taking place over the course of one, munchie-induced night, Harold (Cho) and Kumar (Penn) set off in search of the nearest White Castle. The two burger-seeking buddies are sidetracked by skateboarding hooligans, racist cops, an inbred tow truck driver and his hot wife, and Neil Patrick Harris (as himself). And while the audience might occasionally wonder how much of their road trip adventure is influenced by Harold and Kumar's choice of herbal refreshment (a ride through the woods on a cheetah?!) it's a blast to go along as they seek their fix, finally hang-gliding off a cliff for their ultimate and well-earned sweet reward.
Eurotrip (2004)
Starring: Scott Mechlowicz, Jacob Pitts, and Michelle Trachtenberg
Head across the pond for a post-high school romp through Europe. After getting dumped by his girlfriend, Scott Thomas (Mechlowicz) confides in his German pen pal, Mike. When Mike makes a romantic advance upon hearing the news, Scott tells him he never wants to hear from him again. Then Scott learns that Mike is actually Mieke, a girl … a hot girl, who has now blocked all his calls and attempts at apology. Determined to make amends in person, Scott, his girl-crazy best friend Cooper (Pitts), and twins Jenny (Trachtenberg) and Jamie (Travis Wester) head to Berlin. Though their improvised trip through Europe is full of clichés and stereotypes, it's all good natured and you find yourself hoping the guy gets the girl in the end.
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Into the Wild (2007)
Starring: Emile Hirsch, Marcia Gay Harden, John Hurt
Inspired by a true story, recent college grad Christopher McCandless (Emile Hirsch) rids himself of all possessions and donates his entire savings to charity and sets out to hitchhike to Alaska. McCandless' quest takes him from his safe life in South Dakota to the non-conformist refuge in Slab City, CA before he heads into the wilds of the Alaska. Along the way he meets a series of characters who not only change his life, but benefit from his influence as well. Unmentioned in the credits, the sweeping scenery plays more than a supporting role. Academy Award nominated.
Wild Hogs (2007)
Starring: Tim Allen, John Travolta, Martin Lawrence, and William H. Macy
Four mid-life crises + motorcycles = adventure on the open road for adults instead of teens this time around. Doug (Allen), Woody (Travolta), Bobby (Lawrence), and Dudley (Macy) set out to break up their hum drum suburban lives. So they dub themselves the Wild Hogs and go off in search of adventure. But an encounter with the Del Fuegos, a real biker gang lead by Jack (Ray Liotta), adds more spice than the weekend warriors were looking for. When Dudley's bike is stolen by the Del Fuegos, the Wild Hogs hatch a plan to get it back.
The Hangover (2009)
Starring: Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, and Zach Galifianakis
Four guys. A bachelor party in Vegas. A borrowed classic Mercedes Benz. What could possibly go wrong? Try everything, including a missing groom-to-be. While most of this movie takes place in Sin City and not in a car, the time these four friends spend on the road sets the tone for the rest of the unbelievable bachelor party weekend (a tiger, a missing tooth, a baby). They search Las Vegas, piecing random bits of memory and clues together as they try to find their missing friend before his wedding. Golden Globe winner for Best Motion Picture: Musical or Comedy.
Special Television Offer! Supernatural (2005-current)
Starring: Jared Padalecki and Jensen Ackles
While not a movie, the five seasons (so far; the sixth season starts September, 24 2010) are the ultimate, never ending road trip. Granted the Winchester brothers are on the hunt for monsters--which offers up more adventure than most dare seek--the journey isn't limited to fighting evil. Sam (Padalecki) and Dean (Ackles) search out answers, self-redemption, and a good time … all while tooling around in a black '67 Impala, the uncredited third star of the show.
What movies (or TV shows) make you want to head out on the open road? --Jill Corddry
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