Five road trip movies that are sure to take you on some pretty unforgettable journeys through the America of days gone by.
I approach cinema with the same expectations I have of travel, and perhaps that explains why, aside from story, the element I seek most in any movie is a strong sense of time and place. In my days as a literature teacher we simply called that “setting.”
These days, when I set out on a road trip my two main requirements are history and scenery AKA time and place. That is why I always do research before planning our road trip itineraries to ensure that we get to experience them both. Although I am sure my life as a traveler is more enriched than the average worker bee, I want a movie to be an escape from my occasional mundane routine of life.
This post is not intended to be a critical review. I am not sure I am even qualified to do that. So I won’t attempt to quantify the following road trip movies with numerical or star rankings nor qualify them with a specific set of criteria. But I will go out on a limb and say that these five movies are my all-time favorites, and they will definitely take you on some pretty unforgettable road trips through the America of days gone by . . . .
Table of Contents
Driving Miss Daisy
Until I saw Driving Miss Daisy, I never knew there were established Jewish communities in major cities across the South. I also would never have believed that a British actress could so convincingly play a Southern woman (as she also did in Fried Green Tomatoes). When it comes to cinematic authenticity, we Southerners can always spot a fake accent. But not in this instance. I believe Jessica Tandy gave the performance of her life in this screen adaptation of the stage play.
And who could forget Morgan Freeman’s inimitable performance as Hoke Colburn, the driver hired to be Daisy Werthan’s chauffeur? Perfectly paired, Tandy and Freeman effortlessly portray the evolution of this unlikely friendship through decades of the Civil Rights era and beyond.
I am not alone in my admiration of this film. Driving Miss Daisy swept the 1990 Academy Awards and Golden Globes with Best Picture, Best Actor, and Best Actress, as well as several other categories.
Note: Due to our clearly-defined respective road trip roles, Jerry’s daughter Brandy has dubbed us “Daisy” and “Hoke.” Perhaps . . . .
Coal Miner’s Daughter
I have been a fan of Loretta Lynn since childhood. I memorized the lyrics of her autobiographical hit single Coal Miner’s Daughter, read her autobiography of the same title, and of course saw the movie adaptation when it hit the big screen. Similar to my Driving Miss Daisy commentary, I had serious doubts about the casting of Sissy Spacek in Coal Miner’s Daughter. How could “Carrie” play Loretta Lynn?
I first saw Coal Miner’s Daughter with my Uncle Olan and Aunt Mary Lou at the Brandon Twin Theater in 1980. I distinctly remember informing them before we left the theater that Sissy Spacek would win the Oscar for Best Actress because Sissy Spacek did not merely play Loretta Lynn; she channeled Loretta Lynn, perfectly delivering lines with nuances in Lynn’s distinct Kentucky dialect and performing her own vocals, a rare phenomenon in musical biopics.
I know Coal Miner’s Daughter is not one of those beginning-to-end road trip movies, but so much of the story takes place on the road that it qualifies for the genre, if not by default then just because I said so. Either way, Coal Miner’s Daughter will transport you to another time and place.
Stand By Me
I have never been a huge fan of Stephen King’s supernatural thrillers, but I love the film adaptations of his (and I use this term loosely) realistic fiction such as The Shawshank Redemption and The Green Mile. Similarly, I have read King’s nonfiction text On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft multiple times, and mentioning it here makes me want to read it again.
Stand by Me is a cinematic adaptation of King’s realistic novella The Body, a story of four boys who take a road trip journey, on foot mind you, to find a missing boy’s body, and in the course of their adventure they discover themselves.
I guess this movie resonates with me because it reminds me so much of myself and the camaraderie of my boyhood friends, most of whom were my first and second cousins. Although we never went on an epic journey together, we spent hours exploring the woods and creeks and railroad tracks that populated the rural Central Florida community where we grew up.
Without question, I see myself most in the character of Gordie Lachance played by Wil Wheaton, not only because I wore T-shirts like his and combed my hair that way, but because I was bookish, awkward, insecure, and like him I have experienced familial rejection. Is it any wonder that like Gordie in adulthood, I became a writer?
Paper Moon
Paper Moon is the perfect movie. Perfectly written, cast, acted, directed, edited, and scored. Although modern film enthusiasts may not appreciate a period piece shot in black and white, László Kovács’ cinematography of the bleak Midwestern plains is perfect, too. I will even go out on a limb and say that Paper Moon has not a single dull moment. The story flows perfectly from beginning to end.
A classic road trip movie, Paper Moon tells the story of a Depression-era Bible salesman named Moses Pray who is saddled with the responsibility of delivering Addie, a 9-year old orphaned girl, to relatives across the Kansas state line in Missouri. Played by father and daughter Ryan and Tatum O’Neal, “Moze” soon learns that as con artists go, Addie has beat him at his own game.
The movie never reveals whether Addie is Moses’ biological daughter, but frequent references to their similar jaw lines seems to indicate that she is. Sadly, Paper Moon has not been released on Blu-ray nor 4K. I learned in an online forum that because Paper Moon is a Paramount property, I should not hold my breath for a high-def transfer any time soon. Jerry and I watched the DVD recently, and although it is not the flawless presentation we would like to see, we soon found ourselves totally immersed in this incredible piece of cinema. C’mon Paramount, get with it!
The Trip to Bountiful
I first fell in love with Geraldine Page when I saw the TV adaptations of Truman Capote’s A Christmas Memory and The Thanksgiving Visitor. She brought authenticity and life to the character based on Capote’s elder cousin Sook Faulk. Acquainted with Page’s work, I knew I would like The Trip to Bountiful before I ever saw it.
Page plays Carrie Watts, an elderly woman who wants to see her childhood home of Bountiful, Texas, one more time before she dies. Her loving son and abrasive daughter-in-law know the community no longer exists, and they try to prevent her from making such a trip. Not to be outwitted, Carrie escapes and buys a bus ticket to take her home. One of my best memories of this movie is showing the VHS to my Granny Hinson before she passed away in 1989.
Final Thoughts
When I selected these five movies for my first foray into road trip cinema recommendations, I did not realize that they shared a significant commonality. But as I began writing, I soon realized that four of these movies earned the Best Actress Academy Award:
- Jessica Tandy, who at 80 was the oldest recipient of the award, for her portrayal of Daisy Werthan in Driving Miss Daisy.
- Sissy Spacek for her portrayal of Loretta Lynn in Coal Miner’s Daughter.
- Tatum O’Neal, who at age 10 was the youngest recipient of the award, for her portrayal of Addie Loggins in Paper Moon.
- Geraldine Page for her portrayal of Carrie Watts in The Trip to Bountiful.
Here’s hoping you enjoy these cinematic road trips through bygone America as much as I do, and I would love to hear about your favorite classic American road trip movies. I invite you to leave your comments and questions below, and I always respond!
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On the stuffy side, “Mr. Blount” has been a writer, consultant, and published author with the likes of Simon & Schuster and McGraw-Hill. Although his road trips are financed by his day job as a middle school teacher, Howard would much rather be doing anything that includes mountains, waterfalls, dachshunds, gospel choirs, books, restored classic movies on Blu-ray, HDTV, autumn, sandhill cranes, hot springs, Florida springs, rain and other gloomy weather, log cabins, cracker shacks, abandoned sites, unearthed history, genealogy, museums, documentaries, To Kill a Mockingbird, scenic and historical sites, castles, cathedrals, the Civil War, cold sheets, National and State Park Passports, quotes, the Rambos, Dionne Warwick, Steely Dan, Doobies, Diet Pepsi, Fish City Grill, anything Apple, all things British, Jesus, and lists.
And on a random note, Howard is a fourth cousin once removed to Truman Capote.
I settled in at the computer with the hopes to watch a new movie! OH NO! I’ve seen them all! I do believe that The Trip to Bountiful was one of my favorites! I’ve seen them all multiple times and I guess another time or two will be good for me! Thank you!
I agree, Shelby! I never tire of watching these road movies over and over again.
Hi,
Great list of movies about road trips, thanks for sharing these great ideas and reviews, keep up the great work.
Best Regards
Glad you liked the post, Cassidy! Thanks!
Great list, Howard! The only film on this list I have not seen is Stand By Me, so it is now high on the “must-see” list. I agree that the other four were wonderful films and did indeed capture that sense of “time and place.” I think I need to revisit these. Thanks for the lovely post.
Thanks, Donna! Based on comments, Stand By Me is the movie most readers have seen. Just goes to prove what a rare, unique woman you are. And the fact that you have seen the other four proves what kindred spirits you and I are. Hugs!
Of all these films, the one that resonates with me the most is Stand By Me. Our parents took my 3 siblings and me to the cinema and all enjoyed it very much. I have fond memories of that day.
I definitely cannot argue with the “resonate” part . . . . Great memories!
Great post & such a great looking blog!
Thanks for your kind words, Lara!
I’ve seen a few of these and Stand by Me is one of my favourites! Great list. thanks!
Thanks to you, Melissa!
Hmmm, I just got netflix, I’ll have to see if any of these are on it!
I am sure some of them have to be on Netflix. If not, they will rotate eventually.
I would like to do a couple of road trips after my kids get a little bit bigger. I didn’t know about these movies either. Thanks!
I am online friends with several families who road trip perpetually both here in the US and abroad. Traveling mothers amaze me. My parents were missionaries to Latin America when I was a child. Because my father was totally blind my mother had all the driving responsibility with two children in tow.
Ooo, I had forgotten about Trip to Bountiful, I loved that movie. Thanks!
Such a sweet movie! Glad to know someone else loves it the way I do . . . .
Awww Stand By Me…always loved that movie. Remember seeing it in my teens and truly feeling what the kids in it must have felt as they became “grown ups”. I’ve never seen Paper Moon but I’l have to try it after all of the rave reviews.
Paper Moon is truly a perfect movie. I read yesterday that it is getting a high-definition transfer, but currently will only be released in the UK as a Region B Blu-ray. Still got my fingers crossed for an American release!
I love road trips! It’s when my husband and I get to bond a lot..But I hardly ever know any classical road trip movies. I just know about the movie “Are we there yet?” something about a vacation gone wrong, I think. I’m not big on movies, my husband is. I bet he’ll love your list too!
Thank you, Camille! I have been compiling a comprehensive list of road trip movies, and I had forgotten about “Are We There Yet?” I will add it to the list now.
Great insights and reviews on the movies. I likes the award facts as well.
Thank you, Jennifer!
I have not seen any of these movies (i am not much of a movie watcher) but i will have to check a few of them out!
Hope you are able to watch them, Katie! You won’t be sorry.
You have reminded me that I still need to see “Driving Miss Daisy” and “Trip to Bountiful.” They are on my list of movies I need to see. What do you think about “Forrest Gump?” It is FULL of American history!
Forrest Gump is one of my all-time favorites, Victoria. I love the storyline woven through American history, and even though Forrest travels everywhere, I never thought of it as a road trip movie. But it is definitely a historical travel flick! Thanks for reminding me that I need to watch FG again . . . .
Great reviews of some amazing movies. As for being qualified, everyone is entitled to give an opinion and I say yours resonate well. Thanks.
Thank you, Quirky Grandma! There is no doubt that I freely share my opinions, sometimes to a fault. In this case, glad to hear my opinions resonated with yours.
I hadn’t thought of these movies as road trips. I think it’s time to watch them all again from a different perspective. Thanks for sharing this.
Good point, Christina! Perspective is everything. Every time I re-watch a movie or re-read a book I always find something I never noticed previously.
Great classics! I haven’t watched any of these recently. Time to get a couple! 🙂
Agreed, Carrie! These are classics you can watch over and over and over . . . .
These are great reviews and I think you can say you are qualified now. :). I agree with you that southerners can spot a fake accent. As a native Tennessean with a fairly strong accent, it absolutely drives me insane. But you’re right, Jessica Tandy did a great job with her accent.
Thank you, Karmen! I prefer to simply write commentaries on movies. I regularly read “real” movie reviews written by professional film critics on Blu-ray.com, and I simply do not have their cinematic experience and authority. High 5, fellow Southerner!
Out of the five, I’ve seen Driving Miss Daisy. It was a movie you don’t forget.
I’ve said it before, Susan, but I think DMD is my favorite of the five. Unforgettable!
Wow, I have never seen any of these movies. I obviously need to fix that soon! Thanks for the road trip recommendations 🙂
It amazes me how many people have never seen any of these road trip movies, but that is a good thing, I guess, because you’ve got some great entertainment in store.
Driving Miss Daisy is one of my absolute favorite movies!! Thanks for this great post. 🙂
So welcome, Hannah! I must say you have great taste in movies . . . . 🙂
I need to go back and rewatch Driving Mrs Daisy. It has been way too long since I’ve seen it. I like your list and found a couple to check out seeing I’ve only seen one on your list. Great post 🙂
Glad to help, Crisi! Matter of fact, I think I need to watch Driving Miss Daisy again, as well.
Great reviews! I don’t think I’ve seen any of these movies (sad, huh?!), so I will add them to my queue. A lifelong Tennessean, I feel like the ones with Southern settings are especially important for me. 🙂
Thanks, Mary Beth! As a fellow Southerner, I understand what you mean. Since you are a native Tennessean, I suggest you start with Coal Miner’s Daughter. You may even recognize some of the locations.
Am I the only one who hasn’t seen any of these movies? Howard you have done such a terrific job with these movie reviews that I must make it a date and tick these off my movies-to-see list! I love the set up of your blog btw!
Thank you so much, Eyeland Gurl! Compliments from peers mean so much. Hope you get to see these cinematic wonders in the not too distant future . . . . Thanks again, and cheers!
This makes for a good excuse to have a movie marathon tonight :)! I have seen 2 of these titles and I automatically thought of Thelma & Louise as a classic to be considered.
Hahaha! And another Thelma & Louise comment. I think it may be the most popular road trip movie among our readers. I didn’t think T & L was historic enough for this post, but you can bet it will make the list somewhere in the future! Hope your marathon goes well. 🙂
What a great collection. I’m bookmarking this as I’ve seen only two of these – Driving Ms Daisy and Stand By Me. When my husband and I watched, which we had borrowed, we loved it so much, we went out and bought our own copy!
Thank you, Corinne! I buy a lot of movies. Many of them I watch once and then resell on eBay or half.com. Some movies, however, I have to own copies because I know I will be watching them again and again. The movies on this list fit that category!
I am always on the look out for good movies. In as much as I don’t always like the public favorites, I am totally sold on you choices. With the exception of The Trip to Bountiful I have watched and loved all of the above. I was hoping to have a big “list” of movies to watch, but am looking forward to one, anyway.
FYI, this is one of my 5 favorite posts in this Commentathon, so far.
What a sweet thing to say, Pat! It means a lot when fellow bloggers validate your work. I know what you mean about “public favorites.” I tend to prefer obscure classics. I hope to do additional road trip movie posts in the future, so check back periodically, when you get a chance.
I love all of these movies! It might be time to re-visit some of them, when I get a minute, which doesn’t happen often these days.
I know what you mean, Debbie! I have bought more movies than I have time to watch. Hopefully, retirement from the 9-to-5 on June 5 will free up some time. 🙂
I have seen each and every single one of these movies. More than once! Love them all. I love road trip movies. I spend way more time than one should on sites like Road Trippers planning trips for the “someday.”
Wow, Chrystal! I think you are the first reader to have seen all the movies, and more than once like me. What can I say? Great minds think alike, right? I know what you mean about Roadtrippers. I love that site, too, and we actually made 3 contributions to their site.
My sons and I were just discussing road trip movies the other day, after re-watching Dumb and Dumber Too. They all liked the road trip aspect to both that movie and the first Dumb and Dumber movie. Otherwise, I haven’t seen the movies you have described here, but I think one of my sons has seen most of them. Thanks for bringing up the genre of road trip movies.
Laurina, you are the second person to mention Dumb and Dumber as a road trip movie in the comments. I will definitely have to watch it and include it in a future post about road trip comedies. 🙂
I haven’t seen most of these, but I’m excited to get watching! They all look so good; I like taking road trips, and I like watching movies that complement what I’m doing. 🙂
You sound like us, Katrina! We always try to watch movies and documentaries about destinations we will be visiting.
Our family is always looking for good new films to watch, so this was a really interesting post for me. I have seen ‘Stand By Me’ and ‘Driving Miss Daisy’, but none of the others, so I will be having a look on Amazon at those. Thanks for sharing your list.
Hope you enjoy the other three like the two you have already seen, Gwen!
What an incredible journey backs to my younger days!! I will now have to watch Paper Moon as I did not in my teens when it came out. I echo what you said about Coal Miner’s Daughter and even while watching the trailer over again, tears welled as they did throughout this powerful movie!! Sissy Spacek was in fact phenomenal as the other three women/young ladies were!! Stand By Me was the only movie I couldn’t really get into back then. Perhaps with a now matured mind, I can and will try! Thanks for your VERY worthy review of these movies (even though I am biased)!!
Isn’t it amazing how well-made movies take us back in time and move us to emotion, Felicia? If only all movies were made with such excellence all the way around . . . .
Hello Howard! I really enjoyed reading this article. Great movie selection! “Stand by Me” was lovely…is my favorite movie from this selection :).
You have a great website!
Regards!
Thanks for the compliment, Sinziana! Stand By Me seems to have struck a chord with many of my readers.
Such a great list! But my favorite is definitely Driving Miss Daisy! I know what I’ll be binge watching next weekend!
“Daisy” is my favorite, too, Ellie. Sweet movie!
If you hadn’t added “bygone era” I might have asked why Thelma & Louise wasn’t on here. As it is I’ve only seen one of these, Coal Miner’s Daughter, and I hadn’t thought of it in these terms until you highlighted it. No, I haven’t even seen Stand By Me; I might have to have my movie creds pulled. lol
Thelma & Louise will probably be in the “Fugitives On the Run Road Trip Movies” post, Mitch! 🙂
I love traveling and movies. I have to admit that I have watched Coal Miner’s Daughter at least a million times. I can actually quote some of the lines and songs from the movie. I actually still shed some tears on certain parts of the movie too. Stand By Me is a classic movie like The Breakfast Club. I think that movies from the 80’s and early 90’s are classics and worth sharing with the next generation of movie watchers! Thanks for sharing this post!
Tolia, I know what you mean about Coal Miner’s Daughter quotes. Two of Loretta’s lines that come to mind are:
“Woman, if you wanna keep that arm, you better get it off my husband!”
“I ain’t said I didn’t want no new house! (Is that a triple negative?)
Classic!
Sadly, I have never gotten into road trip movies. I guess I don’t give enough of my time for movies. Personally, I would much rather be planning or participating in the road trip than watching it.
I agree, Meagan! Planning and doing road trips are way better than movies, but the movies always inspire me to get on the road.
5 ROAD TRIP MOVIES THROUGH BYGONE AMERICA is interesting to see makes me want to pack my bag and go on a solo adventure or road trip you say. You gave me a taste now I want to see more, but first I have see Stand By Me Stephen King’s supernatural thrillers. ( Like Stephen King’s Movies) Thanks for sharing.
Patrice, these movies are great for vicarious road trip adventures when you can’t do one yourself at the moment. Cheers!
Haven’t watched the movies but maybe I should check them out. They are ALL names I’ve heard. Seems funny that I have never seen them. Thanks for some ideas! 🙂
Hope you are able to check one or two of these cinematic treasures, Kelly. You won’t be sorry!
I’ve never seen any of these, but I’m planning a road trip in 3 weeks through the deep south! I’m going to have to watch Driving Miss Daisy asap to get in the mood. Thanks for sharing, I’m loving your other posts and so glad I found your blog!
Thanks so much for your kind words, Sherri, and for all the social media follows. Yes, I noticed! 🙂
I need to see Stand By Me. I remember a lot of friends talking about that movie when I was younger, but I never saw it. I remember watching The Coal Miner’s Daughter in high school. I love Driving Ms. Daisy!
Great minds like the same movies, right Emma?
Driving Miss Daisy is a great movie that I haven’t seen in awhile. My husband, from Alabama, always laughs because I thought Piggly Wiggly was a made up store until I visited the south in high school!
Piggly Wiggly was definitely the real deal, Jennie. I love that seen in the movie where Hoke follows Daisy as she walks to the store.
Great selections, Howard.
Paper Moon has always been one of my favorites. I’ve probably seen it about a dozen times.
Stand By Me is another good film with a wonderful script and beautifully acted (also, my kids got a kick out of seeing Jerry O’Connell then and now).
Cool that we love the same movies, Lisa! I know what you mean about the Jerry O’Connell transformation. Amazing!
All great movies! Now, I need to watch them!
They should keep you busy for a while, Angela. Enjoy!
Stand by me is a great movie!!! I will have to watch the other ones on your list. I have a passion for traveling and travel movies. There is nothing like exploring and finding what we thought was lost.
I agree with you about Stand By Me, Ian. Glad the other movies fueled your passion. Enjoy!
Stand By Me is one of my favorite films! It’s such a classic coming of age movie that I can totally relate to (even though I’m a female). The Trip to Bountiful was my first off-broadway play in NYC and it will always hold a special place for me! Movies always inspire me when I’m thinking about travel and destinations. You have a great list here!
Thank you, Ashliegh! I would love to have seen the play.
I heard there was going to be an extreme remake of Driving Ms. Daisy starring Samuel Jackson and directed by Quentin Tarantino, can’t wait!!!
Are you serious? That sounds like a YouTube edit. LOL!
I’ve never seen any of these films >.< I've got a lot of catching up to do! I wonder if I can find them on Netflix? I'd especially like to see Paper Moon. It seems like a great film and I've never been to Kansas or Missouri!
I know what you mean, Francesca! So many movies, so little time. I am sure some of them will be on Netflix eventually.
Stand By Me is one of my favorite movies EVER– 100% must see!! I love Driving Miss Daisy (and Fried Green Tomatoes)! I have never seen the others but I just watch the trailer for Coal Miner’s Daughter and it looks like one I would I like. This is a great list of recommendations.
Thank you, Susan! Sounds like we have similar taste in movies. You will definitely enjoy Coal Miner’s Daughter.
Great list of film Howard. We are big fans of road trips around the USA.
Thank you, Bethaney! Feel free to share any of your road trip content with us or pin on our Roadtripping the Planet Pinterest board.
Driving Miss Daisy is my favorite on the list. I just loved that movie. As for the other compiling this list to go get the videos or CDs.
I think Driving Miss Daisy is my favorite, too, or maybe Paper Moon.
And I now feel terribly ashamed to say I have seen none of those!
Well at least I’ve got something to watch now! Thanks for sharing!
No shame, Marie-Carmen! Just some great suggestions, right?
I love movies that inspire me to travel! Stand By Me is such a great film–I think I need to watch it again–it’s been too long! I’ll have to add the others to my list as well–they all sound great!
I know how you feel, Jenna! I am glad you found some new titles to add to your watch list.
Definitely some classics in that bunch!
Thanks, Toni!
Hi Howard,
Stand by Me is the classic of classics. Humor, lightness, and some seriousness too; it makes for a fabulous mix and also, a spot on road trip movie. SO much going on in that one and it spawned quite a few successful careers too, even if some of the kids took a long, winding road to get there. The pie eating scene is way too much; one of those moments that most kids recall from their childhood, watching it.
First time visitor. LOVE what you’re doing here guys.
Keep up the great work!
Tweeting from Bali.
Ryan
Thanks for your kind words, Ryan, and also for your take on Stand By Me. Wish we were blogging from Bali!
When I tried to think of a great road trip movie, I was hoping my brain would give me something little known, a little arty, maybe from the auteur driven 1970’s. But no, I’ve gotta say the road trip movie that comes to mind is the hilarious “Dumb and Dumber.” Featuring a moronic pair on a cross country journey to return a lost briefcase and find love, it is one of the funniest movies Jim Carrey ever made, and illustrates the incredible range of actor Jeff Daniels.
Hahaha, Donny! Your comment made me laugh. I have never seen Dumb and Dumber, but I did know that it was a road trip movie. Guess I will have to break down and watch it. Let me know if you recall that artsy-fartsy classic movie.
What a great selection! Paper Moon is a must-see!
I agree, Jeremy! Paper Moon is the best. Would so love for it to get a high-def transfer on Blu-ray.