10 Summer Road Trip Movies From the 80s and 90s For the Couch Potato
Summer’s here, the roads are calling… but it's hot outside, gas is expensive, and let’s be honest, you don’t feel like dealing with traffic. Ditch the keys and let Hollywood do the driving with these classic road trip movies from the '80s and '90s. Just grab the remote, sink into the couch, and enjoy the ride.
Watch them in the order of your choosing.
To Wong Foo, Thanks For Everything! Julie Newmar (1995)
Three fabulous drag queens hit the open road in a Cadillac and are on their way to a drag show when their vehicle breaks down in a small town on the way and somehow spark a full-on makeover montage. Patrick Swayze, Wesley Snipes, and John Leguizamo in drag? Sounds like something worth watching to me.
Planes, Trains and Automobiles (1987)
Steve Martin and John Candy attempt to get home in time for Thanksgiving in this Odd-Couple road journey where everything that can go wrong, does go wrong. You'll never look at a rental car the same way again.
Thelma & Louise (1991)
Ladies, we know you love this film. And guys, your mother, wife, and sister probably love it too. Find out why as Thelma and Louise hit the road after Louise (Susan Sarandon) shoots a man who tries to rape Thelma (Geena Davis), then the two take off and quite literally launch feminism off a cliff. Keep an eye out for a young, sexy Brad Pitt who swings by for a visit. It’s basically a country song for women.
The Cannonball Run (1981)
A bunch of lunatics in souped-up cars race cross-country while breaking laws, stereotypes, and the fourth wall. This classic comedy features fast cars, inappropriate jokes, an all start cast, and Burt Reynolds at his prime. Utter chaos, zero apologies.
National Lampoon's Vacation (1983)
Remember the days when everyone loved Chevy Chase? I do, and this movie was one of the reasons. Clark Griswold just wants to take his family to Wally World, but the universe is conspiring against him. Instead he gets dead relatives, criminal activity, and a classic dad meltdown cinema.
Tommy Boy (1995)
A fat guy in a little coat, a car that slowly dies, and the most lovable sales disaster ever. Chris Farley and David Spade on a ridiculous sales trip to sell brake pads without killing each other. A comedy that slowly falls apart, just like their car.
Dumb and Dumber (1994)
Two idiots drive a shaggy dog van to Aspen for love. Along the way, they trade IQ points for gags and still come out ahead. This one redefined the word “dumb” in the most glorious way possible.
Road Trip (2000)
Okay, it's not from the 90s, and there are plenty of other films I could have added to this list, but hey, it's my list and It's close enough. A college kid accidentally mails a sex tape to his girlfriend, so he races across county to recover it before it's seen. Just skip past the scenes with Tom Green and you will actually enjoy this movie.
Kingpin (1996)
A one-handed alcoholic bowler teams up with an Amish bowling prodigy. Featuring a bald Woody Harrelson, and a scene with a landlord you’ll never unsee. Dumb, raunchy, and hilarious.
The Sure Thing (1985)
John Cusack hitchhikes a ride across the country for a sure thing but finds something he didn't expect along the way. Instead, he gets stuck with a buzzkill and catches feelings. A rom-com detour that’s surprisingly charming.
There you go. Ten chances to hit the road without leaving your couch, zero gas money required. Whether it’s breakdowns, bad decisions, or just pure stupidity, these films remind us why staying home might be the real vacation for the couch potato.
