road trip · family movies · travel · comedy · adventure
Top 5 Movies for a Family Road Trip
Movie Knight Editorial Team ·
Keep your passengers happy with these five family-friendly films. From talking animals on a quest to a family saving the world, these movies make the miles fly by with themes of adventure and togetherness.
The best movies for a family road trip are engaging stories that capture the spirit of adventure and the importance of family. These films, many of which feature journeys themselves, are perfect for keeping everyone entertained on the go.
From animated adventures to live-action comedies, these selections are proven crowd-pleasers that resonate with the experience of traveling together. They celebrate themes of loyalty, perseverance, and the funny, frustrating, and ultimately rewarding experience of a family journey.
Choose tonight’s movie
Quick picks
- Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey
- The Mitchells vs. the Machines
- Cars
- Onward
- RV
Movie Knight guide
The full list
No. 1
Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey
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Animal Adventure
Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey
Two dogs and a cat embark on a perilous journey through the wilderness, believing their family has left them behind. This G-rated classic is heartwarming, but parents should know that the animals face real dangers, including rapids and wild animals, which can be intense for young viewers. It works best for kids 5 and up.
No. 2
The Mitchells vs. the Machines
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Robot Apocalypse
The Mitchells vs. the Machines
A quirky family's cross-country road trip to drop their daughter off at college is interrupted by a robot uprising. The film features menacing but silly robots and some intense, fast-paced chase scenes and destruction. It works best for kids 7 and up.
No. 3
Cars
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Route 66 Fun
Cars
A hotshot race car gets stranded in the forgotten town of Radiator Springs, where he learns about friendship and the value of slowing down. While mostly lighthearted, there is a significant crash sequence and brief implied danger during races. It works best for kids 4 and up.
No. 4
Onward
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Magical Quest
Onward
Two teenage elf brothers go on a road trip-style quest to magically spend one last day with their deceased father. The film contains some chase scenes and mild fantasy peril, but the main heads-up is its direct and emotional handling of grief and parental loss. It works best for kids 7 and up.
No. 5
RV
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Vacation Comedy
RV
A dad's plan to combine a family vacation with a secret work meeting goes haywire in this slapstick comedy about a chaotic road trip. The film's humor is driven by RV mishaps and includes some slapstick violence and brief scenes of an adult character drinking alcohol. It works best for kids 6 and up.
Before you press play
A note for parents
Many of these films mirror the very experience of a road trip: the bonding, the bickering, and the unexpected detours. They can be a great way to frame your own family's journey. However, films like `Onward` and `Homeward Bound` deal with themes of loss and separation that may warrant a conversation before or after watching, especially with more sensitive children.
Questions parents ask
Parent FAQ
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