road trip movie 2021

A smoothie shop employee with butterflies in his stomach and a bleeding right hand sits next to an older gentleman on a bench. “Can I ask you something?” he prefaces. The worker then proceeds to babble about his crush, Maria. Should he follow her to New York City, and leave Florida behind? The older man offers advice—speaking from the heart—and it fills the younger man’s soul, so much that he leaps from the bench and bursts into song. It’s this young guy’s big romantic moment, and he dances away before almost getting hit by a car, and then sings at people inside a mall, in which one patron tries to side-kick him.  

This hilarious sequence, which overlaps cliché storytelling with the unassuming public, is just one of many endearing moments in “Bad Trip,” a hidden camera comedy gem starring Eric André , Lil Rel Howery , and Tiffany Haddish that’s finally coming out on Netflix. Directed by Kitao Sakurai , the previous director behind numerous episodes of “The Eric André Show,” it shows an evolution in the hidden camera subgenre, given its warming spirit about people. Unlike the films that previously defined the subgenre, it’s not so much about creating a freak show from unsuspecting extras, but in noting what one would do when confronted with someone as delusional as André’s character Chris. Natural human behavior can be extremely funny, and Sakurai and André know it’s possible to bring it out of people without being mean-spirited. Footage in the end credits of the real people excited to learn that they’re in a movie—a comfort for us as well—confirms the chaos is controlled physically and emotionally, and that allows it to be a party.    

“Bad Trip” is an excellent showcase for Eric André—it’s more mainstream than his talk-show-in-hell “The Eric André Show” and less watered down than his recent resume-boosting, commercial work like “The Lion King” and elsewhere. This role lets him scream, sprint, crash into things, and show off that he’s a sweetheart who wants to include you his absurdity. It’s no stretch to say that André is going to be a huge comedic force—I knew this when I caught his Legalize Everything stand-up tour in Chicago in 2019, when he had a sold-out Chicago Theater completely wrapped up in his FaceTime-ing with the parents of random audience members. He’s an affable anarchist with Robin Williams-like verve, and this project lets his burgeoning persona run wild alongside what the film advertises as “Real People. Real Pranks.”  

André’s hilarious earnest Chris is joined in the movie by Lil Rel Howery, who would have been known enough at the time of filming from his scene-stealing turn in “ Get Out ,” but is disguised as Chris’ reserved friend Bud. They have adorable chemistry as two friends in Florida who decide to drive to New York to reunite Chris with his high school crush Maria ( Michaela Conlin ) after two disastrous brief run-ins at Eric’s jobs. They support each other, like when Chris gets extremely drunk at a cowboy bar, or Bud finds himself inside a Porta Potty. Chris is the wide-eyed dreamer, and Bud is the demure rationalist. Their chemistry is as pure as the Golden Girls, so “Thank You For Being a Friend” is featured prominently in the soundtrack, in between scenes of slapstick pranks that further their road trip.  

When Bud and Chris need a car to get to New York City, they “borrow” the bright pink Crown Vic that belongs to Bud’s sister, Trina (Tiffany Haddish), who Bud fears but is relieved when she’s put in jail for breaking house arrest. And yet soon enough, Haddish crawls out from under a prison bus, having broken out and starts looking for her car. When it’s not where she stored it, she hunts Bud and Chris up the Eastern seaboard, making for some incredibly funny, abrasive scenes of her confronting people about whether they’ve seen them or her car that has “Bad Bitch” written on the window. Haddish bulldozes into every set-piece, exemplifying the film’s over-the-top spirit. When talking to progressively uncomfortable strangers, she doesn’t miss a beat and she relishes the opportunity to appear dangerous; when she steals a cop car and burns out of a donut shop parking lot, it’s one of her many triumphant moments.  

“Bad Trip” is a collision of great improvisational actors and authentically bewildered reactions from people unaware that they’re now in Chris’ story—which makes Michaela Conlin’s performance as Maria all the more an essential middle to its Venn diagram. She enters the movie also as an innocent bystander, but that’s a deceptive comic energy that plays out in very funny ways as she pushes back against Chris’ delusions. In Chris’ prank-based daydreams, Conlin matches André’s intensity; that she has to play it straight in later scenes adds to the tension she creates, like when Chris tries to profess his love to her.  

Just how funny is “Bad Trip”? After two viewings, it’s one of those comedies with a stable laughing average and high replay value, even if it doesn’t always hit you as hard. It knowingly plays a hit-and-miss game, and some scenes don’t entirely work (like a grocery store drug trip that plays out like a soft tribute to “The Eric Andre Show”), while other pranks go for discomfort more than big laughs (like when Chris gets gas springing all over a gas station). But the movie has speediness on its side, with pacing that takes the plotting from one prank to the next, often including crowds of people in the latest big dramatic confrontation that comes from Bud and Chris’ expected emotional arc. (A sudden car crash sequence is particularly well planned out, with cameras and extras ready nearby.) It’s a steady build to its ultimate destination of NYC, and every major set piece is constructed to bubble with discomfort before then skyrocketing over the top. An early scene at Chris’ smoothie shop job only begins with him making the drinks without spoons—it escalates to awkward tension with disgusted, annoyed customers, and then boom, a laugh-out-loud, gory finale that hits with impeccable, unexpected timing.  

If certain parts of “Bad Trip” aren’t as out-and-out cry-laughing as the work put into them desires, the story is still involving as it adds the dimensionality of unscripted human behavior. And it doesn’t continue the hidden camera movie’s waning intention of dunking on dummies, a factor that also makes this story more fluid than the start-and-stop traps, primed for reaction shots, in something like “Jackass”-spinoff like “Bad Grandpa.” That’s the true sweet spot, in how its pranks are engineered to get the unexpected to interact with Bud, Chris, and or Trina, and see if strangers try to help. (“You turned on us!” says Chris, after a golfer starts swinging a club at Chris and Bud while their penises are enjoined by a Chinese fingertrap.) An amazing scene comes at a tense mid-point, when Trina appears at a restaurant, spreading around fliers with Bud and Chris’ dopey faces on them, advertising her desire to kill the two. She leaves. Bud and Chris then show up at the same place minutes later, and everyone’s response, with some people trying to warn them, and others not wanting to get caught in the middle, is incredible. “Bad Trip” knows how to stir things up, and its funniest scenes often involve real people getting in the mix, tested by the brilliant skills of André, Howery, and Haddish. The ways that some people react to their pranks might shock you in some ways, and absolutely will not in others.  

Now available on Netflix.

Nick Allen is the former Senior Editor at RogerEbert.com and a member of the Chicago Film Critics Association.

• Eric André as Chris
• Lil Rel Howery as Bud
• Tiffany Haddish as Trina Malone
• Michaela Conlin as Maria Li

Writer (story)

• Andrew Barchilon
• Kitao Sakurai

Cinematographer

• Andrew Laboy
• Caleb Swyers
• Matthew Kosinski
• Sascha Stanton Craven
• Joseph Shirley
• Ludwig Göransson

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25 Essential Road Trip Movies of the Last 25 Years

We’re looking down the horizon and beyond for some of the best road trip movies that defined the genre over the last 25 years! To rev up this list, we selected American movies movies, journeys that begin in the States (where they actually finish is part of the fun). The movies celebrate the sights and sounds of the country, or at least will inspire you to pull out that camping gear, putting the convertible top down, and hitting the open road. These rides can be cross-county ( Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle ), on the freeway ( Dog , Sideways ), trekking across a few state lines ( Little Miss Sunshine , Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas ), hitting a new time zone ( Road Trip ), or even runnin’ coast-to-coast ( Rat Race , Transamerica ). Even the Academy has felt the need for reasonable speed, awarding Best Picture to both Green Book and Nomadland . Carpool lane? Of course: we’ve got an Oscar strapped in the passenger seat!

So whether you’re looking for a map to a long summer drive or fixing a flat in your life, turn to these essential 25 road trip movies of the last 25 years (in chronological order)!

Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas (1998) 51%

The Straight Story (1999) 95%

Tumbleweeds (1999) 82%

Almost Famous (2000) 91%

Road Trip (2000) 57%

Rat Race (2001) 45%

Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle (2004) 75%

Sideways (2004) 97%

Transamerica (2005) 77%

Little Miss Sunshine (2006) 91%

Cars (2006) 75%

Zombieland (2009) 89%

Away We Go (2009) 67%

Paul (2011) 70%

We're the Millers (2013) 48%

Chef (2014) 87%

Grandma (2015) 91%

Mississippi Grind (2015) 91%

Pee-wee's Big Holiday (2016) 83%

Green Book (2018) 77%

Nomadland (2020) 93%

The Mitchells vs. the Machines (2021) 97%

Bad Trip (2021) 79%

Dog (2022) 77%

Joy Ride (2023) 90%

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10 best road trip movies from the 2020s on prime video (ranked by imdb).

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Don’t Make Me Go  was recently released on Prime Video and is about a father-daughter road trip after Max, the father, learns he has a terminal illness. Max decides not to tell his daughter, Wally, the real reason why they're making this trip, and it's from this withholding of information that the true melodrama starts.

Don't Make Me Go is a classic road trip-style movie where the journey is far more important than the destination, and the growth the characters find within themselves is the true point of the movie. Even with the 2020s in their early years, there has already been a fair number of "road trip movies" that examine these exact topics.

She's In Portland (2020) 5.7

She's in Portland is a movie about two old friends who, envying each other's lives, take a road trip to find "the one that got away." Through the course of their road trip, the two men bond and rekindle their friendship that doesn't rely on machismo for the two men to be taken seriously.

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She's in Portland is a movie about two men's friendship that is not typically seen on screen. Many movies with two male leads rely on stunts and heavy action, whereas  She's in Portland relies on the two men's budding friendship and the lessons they learn along the way. Taking place along the Pacific Coast Highway, viewers will be stunned by the gorgeous views the pair stop at along the way.

Stop And Go (2021) 5.9

In this hilarious comedy, two sisters take a cross-country trip to rescue their grandma from a Covid outbreak at her nursing home. This movie was created during the Coronavirus pandemic and very much showcases the fear that many people had in interacting with others during this time.

Despite their circumstances, the sisters find humor in their situation that doesn't quite land with all viewers. It's true that while the entire human race went through the pandemic, it doesn't necessarily mean it can be joked about with much success. Despite this, the film certainly has its moments of whimsy and is a great movie to while the time away with.

Unpregnant (2020) 6.4

Apropos of the time,  Unpregnant  is about two teenage girls, Bailey (Barbie Ferreira) and Veronica (Haley Lu Richardson) who embark on a harrowing and emotional, yet hilarious journey to another state to be able to obtain an abortion without requiring parental permission. Along the way, they are accosted by pro-lifers and policemen and get a ride from an anti-government survivalist.

While this movie deals with heavy topics, it's done so with comedic timing and heart and doesn't skirt around the reality of Veronica's situation. The film is a great true road trip style movie with many obstacles thrown their way, as is typical of the genre. It very much gives  Booksmart and even  Superbad vibes in a way that makes a difficult situation funny.

The Man In The Hat (2020) 6.4

The Man in the Hat  is a beautifully cinematic film that has almost no dialogue, as the speaking is done through music. It's a classic road trip movie that, in the words of Ciarán Hinds , who plays the main character, "won't take too much of your time... you can just be a human being and watch this little journey and feel things."

The Man in the Hat is beautifully orchestrated with music instead of prose, simple yet emotional scenes like a man eating olives out of a jar that'll have viewers reaching for the Kleenex and the small moments that make humans, human. It's the type of movie that is simply experienced rather than relying on stunts or heavy action to make it memorable. It just is.

Dog (2022) 6.5

Starring Channing Tatum as Briggs,  Dog is about an Army Ranger who suffers from PTSD and isn't eligible for service. To get on his commanding officer's good side, he agrees to take an aggressive dog, Lulu, to his late partner's funeral. Through their hilarious and sometimes scary interactions, Briggs and Lulu learn more than they ever thought they could have from each other.

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The film is inspired by true events that Tatum experienced with his own dog. Viewers have become weary of movies with dogs as it seems that they are destined for a bitter end, however, the marketing for  Dog assured viewers that the dog does not indeed die, which made viewers keener to watch.

The Trip To Greece (2020) 6.6

The Trip to Greece is a comedy film following fictionalized versions of two actors, Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon, as they traverse the steps of Odysseus from Troy to Ithaca. It's the fourth installment in the franchise, following  The Trip  to Italy,  The Trip to Spain,  and the original iteration centered in England.

Along with the  hilarious banter between Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon, viewers are dazzled with gorgeous shots of the delectable food the pair dine on throughout their journey. The movie released at the start of the 2020 pandemic and was an outlet for people to "travel" without actually leaving their homes.

Supernova (2020) 6.8

Starring Colin Firth and Stanley Tucci,  Supernova  is about Sam ( Firth, in arguably one of his best movies of all time ) and Tusker (Tucci) embarking on a road trip through the English countryside after Tusker has been diagnosed with early-onset dementia. Similar to  Still Alice , this movie explores the grief, heartache, and denial of losing a loved one before they're even gone.

Though the film was ultimately snubbed by the awards circuit, it shows an achingly accurate portrayal of dementia and the trials and tribulations the couple face through their hardships. The two leads give a performance of a lifetime that will leave viewers remembering their characters more than the specifics of the film.

Hit The Road (2021) 7.3

Hit the Road is an Iranian comedy/drama about a family driving to the Turkish border to smuggle their eldest son out of the country. Despite the often comedic moments of the movie, there is a constant note of fear running through everyone in the film but the young boy, who hasn't been told the truth about why his older brother is leaving Iran.

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Hit the Road was met with critical acclaim and was director Panah Panahi's debut film. The film is shot almost exclusively from the inside of the car and uses humor as a way to keep the family from falling too far into anguish and heartbreak, though it is there just below the surface.

Nomadland (2020) 7.3

After being a smash success on the film festival circuit,  Nomadland  went on to win Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actress (Frances McDormand) at the Academy Awards. Based on a non-fiction book, Fern (McDormand),  recently widowed and unemployed, sets off in a newly acquired van around the U.S. to live as a nomad.

Throughout her travels, she meets fellow nomads who teach her valuable lessons about living on the road as well as invaluable lessons about life, death, love, and family.  Nomadland is meant to show what real American life can look like without glamorizing it the way Hollywood has been known to do.

C'mon C'mon (2021) 7.4

In this heartwarming and earnest film, Joaquin Phoenix impresses as an uncle who forges a bond with his young nephew, Jesse, who he hasn't seen in over a year. When Jesse's mom asks Johnny (Phoenix) to come and stay with Jesse, and when she needs to extend her trip, Johnny and Jesse start a cross-country road trip together.

Shot completely in black and white, this movie is not about the end goal, but about the journey, and the lessons Johnny and Jesse learn along the way. Viewed through the eyes of a child, and through the eyes of an adult, it asks viewers to reflect on the circumstances in their own life and if it's possible to move on.

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'Zola' Takes A Twitter Thread And Turns It Into A Fever Dream On Film

Aisha Harris

Taylour Paige stars as the on-screen incarnation of Zola. A24 Films hide caption

Taylour Paige stars as the on-screen incarnation of Zola.

There are eyes, and then there are Taylour Paige's eyes.

In Zola , a crackling, absurdist road trip movie inspired by a crackling, absurdist Twitter thread, the camera's gaze is frequently drawn to the bodily form – a stripper's smooth, exposed curves; a man's languid, exposed junk; lips being painted a deep cherry red; long, slender fingernails clinking against a window.

But then there are Paige's eyes, which convey more in a shift, squint, or roll than some performers can with their entire corporeal being. Those glances, those looks , are the delectable amuse-bouche in this feast of storytelling, and a grounding presence for the viewer amidst all the madness and weirdness that ultimately unfolds.

But hold up – insert brief freeze-frame here – allow me to back up and explain. In 2015, a Detroit waitress and exotic dancer named A'Ziah "Zola" King crafted a viral, vivid 148-tweet thread recounting a wild trip she took to Tampa, Fla. upon an invitation from Jessica, a white woman and fellow exotic dancer she'd known for exactly one day. The story involved a cast of indelible characters, including Jessica's pimp Z, a menacing dude who would suddenly possess an "African accent" during fits of rage, and Jessica's boyfriend Jarret, an awkward, pitiful guy who just wanted her to stop being a sex worker.

Yet Zola herself was undoubtedly the star of this story. From that very first opening line, accompanied by selfies of the author and Jessica together, it was obvious she has a bold personality and a spiky way with words: "Y'all wanna hear a story about why me and this b---- here fell out???????? It's kind of long but full of suspense."

And now Zola's comedy of errors has been dramatized for the screen, directed by Janicza Bravo, who co-wrote the script with Jeremy O. Harris. Their Zola wisely takes its cues from the source, hewing closely to the main plot twists and turns, sometimes quoting King's Tweets directly. Names have been changed: Jessica is now Stefani (Riley Keough), Z is now X (Colman Domingo) and Jarrett is now Derrek (Nicholas Braun). But these colorful characters build on the energy of that thread, playing even more vividly than you might have imagined them in your head.

Stefani is bombastic, spilling forth with an over-the-top "blaccent" – perhaps Keough is channeling Bhad Bhabie, the white rapper and celebrity who became known as the "Cash me outside" girl after an infamous appearance on Dr. Phil – that is at once inviting and ominous. From the get-go she seems suspect, a little too friendly and overly familiar when first encountering Zola, her waitress at a sports bar-type establishment. (Her first comment to Zola is an unfiltered compliment of her breasts.) And Zola herself seems wary of this whirlwind of a woman – again, it's all there in the eyes – but you can also see how someone like her might be seduced into traveling across the country with a complete stranger like Stefani, who promises a windfall of cash for a night or two of dancing at a club. It's because of the money, yes, but it's also because of the possibility for adventure.

Of course, if you recall the Tweets that started it all, you're aware Zola isn't so much seduced as she is bamboozled by Stefani, and once they've reached the south, things quickly go south. In the vein of plenty of movies set in Florida – especially Spring Breakers , another tale of young white women gone ratchet – there's always a sense that danger; the truly bizarre, or some combination of the two, is lurking around every corner. There's a surrealistic quality to the aesthetic, the camera's lens emitting a haze evoking both humidity and a dream-like state.

Stefani (Riley Keough) and Zola (Taylour Paige). Anna Kooris/A24 hide caption

Stefani (Riley Keough) and Zola (Taylour Paige).

Writer-director Janicza Bravo and co-writer Jeremy O. Harris find a distinct, playful rhythm in nearly every image, sound, and piece of dialogue. Text message exchanges don't appear onscreen as they would on a phone, but instead are spoken aloud by the actors in a borderline-mono-tone as they type and recite at the same time; it suggests the zombifying role technology plays in our lives even as it carves out more avenues for connection. As if mimicking re-tweet and share buttons, dialogue, imagery, and sounds are often repeated, layered side by side or intermittent. (One striking motif depicts Zola posing and preening in a hall of mirrors, her many reflections spanning the entire frame).

And as Paige's Zola narrates the adventure, she echoes the real-life Zola's written cadence, delivering some of the film's funniest moments as she reacts to her increasingly worrying surroundings. A movie like this could easily turn into a tale where the protagonist is merely a bystander along with the viewer, with everything happening to her and no sign of agency or personality in sight. But again, I come back to Paige's performance and how so much of it rides on what she does with those eyes, and not what she says. You know how there are some people who suck at making a poker face – the ones who just can't possibly suppress the expressions that stream across their face no matter how hard they try? That's Zola. During one of the movie's recurring freeze-frame moments, Zola advises us to "watch every move" Stefani makes going forward. The same should be stressed in regard to Zola, who seems to instinctively know when to sit back and observe, when to assert herself, and when she needs to be worried. It's all there on her face.

The real-life Zola was reportedly involved behind-the-scenes, approving the script and receiving an executive producing credit, a move that seems to have kept the film from the very real danger of being exploitative of King's story. It also helps that Bravo and Harris are an ideal match for this narrative, as both creators possess styles tending to revel in the discomforting and disorienting as a means of saying the quiet, horrifying parts people are not "supposed to" reveal out loud. (See Lemon , Bravo's subversive directorial debut interrogating an insidious brand of white male intellectualism; and Slave Play , Harris's polarizing, Tony-nominated Broadway debut bluntly confronting modern interracial relationships.)

These perspectives help bring Zola into a realm beyond clever Twitter adaptation, and center her point of view as an illustration of the precarity of existing as a Black woman in the world. When Zola does choose to assert herself and make her feelings known – "This is messy! You are messy!" – she's routinely dismissed and ignored by the others. It's an extreme representation of a common feeling many Black women have felt at one time or another: How you can be taken advantage of and told everything is fine when you know in your gut that it's not; can be told you're overreacting to something that's happening to you when you know you're supposed to feel this way. In fact, it's good and smart to feel this way, because that's how you preserve yourself. Zola's whirlwind dalliance with Stefani and her associates plays like a fever dream doubling as an allegory for gaslighting. It's a jolt when, at a pivotal point, she wonders aloud, "Who's looking out for me ?"

The third act stumbles a bit over typical third-act problems – how to maintain momentum and surprise after so much build amidst twists and turns? – and the ending feels to me a bit abrupt. But it's a small price to pay for entering this realm and experiencing it through Zola's eyes, in all its richness. It may have taken several years to shift from tweet to screen, but it's well worth the wait.

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‘Bad Trip’ Review: On the Road, Leaking Fluid

Two pranksters, and a brace of hidden cameras, travel across country in this jauntily gross comedy.

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By Jeannette Catsoulis

Strictly for devotees of degrading pranks and public humiliation, Kitao Sakurai’s “Bad Trip” — a “Jackass”-style road movie belching clouds of poor taste — follows two hapless dreamers from Florida to New York City.

Strapping squalid stunts on the back of a dopey narrative, this hidden-camera Netflix comedy sends Chris (Eric Andre, of the supremely weird “The Eric Andre Show” ) and his friend Bud (Lil Rel Howery) on a cross-country quest for romance. Chris has learned that his onetime high-school crush (Michaela Conlin) is working in a Manhattan art gallery, and he plans to declare his still-fervent devotion.

Contrasting the starry-eyed innocence of this goal with the pair’s repellent misadventures en route, the screenplay (by Andre, Sakurai and Dan Curry) concentrates on bathing its leads in as many noxious emissions as possible. Fake vomit, urine and gorilla ejaculate squirt across the screen as our heroes horrify the unsuspecting patrons of a cowboy bar and a zoo, exemplifying pranks queasily fixated on orificial and genital abuse. Bud’s wrathful sister (Tiffany Haddish), whose beloved car the two have pinched, might be murderously in pursuit, but she can take her time: Her prey won’t get very far with their penises stuck in a Chinese finger trap.

However effortful, the movie’s tricks are more likely to activate your gorge than your funny bone. An end-credits reveal of the hidden cameras to the film’s good-natured dupes has a humorous purity that’s unexpected and appealing — if far too late to mitigate the dreck that has gone before.

Bad Trip Rated R. Did I mention the gorilla ejaculate? Running time: 1 hour 24 minutes. Watch on Netflix.

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13 Best Road Trip Movies on Netflix (July 2024)

Road trip movies often send out a deeper message than just going from point A to B. They depict the transformations of those who embark on them and also immensely stress the value of the journey, which is a lot more than the final destination. We understand the value of road trips for you. We also understand that, at times, a little push is needed to get the courage to leave behind everything for a while and go on one. However, there are also road trip movies that incorporate a different genre, like thriller or action or action thriller. In such movies, the plot is underscored by the trip, but that doesn’t dampen the theme and the emotions of the story, which is what the following movies capture.

13. Bad Trip (2021)

‘Bad Trip’ is a hilarious comedy road movie that will surely have you falling out of your chair in laughter. Chris Carey (Eric André) and Bud Malone (Lil Rel Howery) are two friends who are completely dissatisfied with the direction their lives have taken. Stuck at dead-end jobs with no progress or promotion, the two yearn for even the slightest bit of excitement. However, when Chris unexpectedly comes across his high-school crush, Maria Li, the friends decide to set out on a road trip from Florida to New York City so that Chris can win her over. Thus, the friends then steal a car and set out on a trip that ensues one hilarious incident after the other, while unbeknownst to them, Bud’s sister, the actual owner of the car, appears hot on their trail. You can check out the film here .

12. End of the Road (2022)

Directed by Millicent Shelton, ‘ End of the Road ’ is a sinister take on a road trip movie. Starring Queen Latifah and Ludacris, it tells the story of Brenda, her two kids, and her brother Reggie, whose cross-country road trip across the New Mexico desert to a new place for a new job (after losing her old one) and a new life, goes haywire. A halt on the way makes them witnesses to a murder, following which the killer puts them in his crosshair. Moreover, Reggie takes something from the crime scene that belongs to the killer, something that is a huge mistake, and Brenda knows it. How she and her family get rid of this maniac is what follows in this high-octane road trip thriller. You can stream the movie here .

11. Dumb and Dumber (1994)

A gift from mankind to mankind, ‘Dumb and Dumber’ stars Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels as the dimwitted duo, Lloyd Christmas and Harry Dunne. Lloyd is a limousine driver, and when he finds that his latest passenger, the woman he is smitten by, Mary Swanson (Lauren Holly), has left her suitcase at the terminal before leaving for Aspen, he decides to travel to Aspen and give it back to her. In his endeavor, he manages to convince Harry to join him, and they both set off on the road trip in Harry’s van. Their experiences and exploits along the way, involving cops and thugs, underscored by the chemistry of the two comedic legends and their comic timing, make ‘Dumb and Dumber’ one of the best road trip movies ever. You can watch it here .

10. Kodachrome (2017)

Matt, played by Jason Sudeikis, is often overshadowed by his father’s reputation as a famous photojournalist. Upon finding that he has cancer, Matt’s father’s last wish is to go on a road trip with his son from New York to Kansas to get his last few Kodachromes developed before it’s too late and the memories get lost in unprocessed films. The movie will bring back some pleasant memories to those who once used Kodachromes for taking pictures with Kodak cameras before the company went bankrupt and shut down completely. The film is very predictable overall, but that’s how most road-trip feel-good kind of movies are, right? We do not watch them for a predictable storyline. We watch them for the whole positive vibe that the movie gives out to touch us and, at times, even inspire us deeply. You may watch the film here .

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9. The Fundamentals of Caring (2016)

Put the Antman star, Paul Rudd , in any film, and he’ll surely give you a great performance and some hilarious jokes to remember. ‘The Fundamentals of Caring’ is one such film where Paul Rudd plays the role of a writer who has recently experienced the loss of a loved one. To recover from that, he decides to become a caregiver. This is when he meets an angry and frustrated teenager who has never left his home because of his disability. During the journey, the two get close and get a deeper understanding of friendship and aspiration. This movie is a pure entertainer when you’re in a feel-good kind of mood and will make you laugh and cry at the same time. You can watch it here .

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8. Seventeen (2019)

‘Seventeen,’ also known as ‘Diecisiete’ in Spanish , follows Hector, a spirited and lively 17-year-old who has been confined to a juvenile detention center for two years. While most believe that Hector is a spoilt teen with no regard for rules, he does have a kind heart and even befriends a dog named Oveja while on a visit to an animal rescue center. Hector appears intent on working towards his freedom and becoming a better person. However, things go haywire once Oveja goes missing, and Hector, fraught with concern, breaks out of prison to search for the missing dog. Surprisingly, the 17-year-old’s loved ones support such a venture, and Hector, along with his brother, Isamel, and their grandmother, soon embarks on a road trip through the Spanish region of Cantabria. You can stream ‘Seventeen’ here .

7. The Trader (2018)

As the title suggests, ‘The Trader’ (Georgian: ‘Sovdagari’) is a documentary that follows a poor traveling trader living in poverty and selling his wares in the rural Republic of Georgia. His travels take him to remote corners of the country and provide an authentic sneak peek into the daily lives of the people from that part of the region. The documentary even portrays previously unheard practices like using potatoes as the only unit of currency. For fans who are curious to know more about different cultures and people from around the globe, ‘The Trader’ will surely be an eye-opening experience. You can stream the film here .

6. Expedition Happiness (2017)

Travel documentaries are a joy to sit through, and ‘Expedition Happiness’ satisfies every craving in that regard as it follows filmmaker Felix Starck and his then-girlfriend Selima Taibi on a road trip across North America. Felix and Selima originally hail from Berlin, Germany , but soon grew tired of the big city with its highrises, noisy traffic, and congestion. Thus, longing for fresh air, a change in scenery, and new experiences, the pair obtain and refurbish a school bus before setting out on an epic road trip across North America along with their dog. Filmed by the pair themselves, ‘Expedition Happiness’ provides a fresh take on North America and can easily be considered a must-watch. You may watch it here .

5. Dhak Dhak (2023)

A Bollywood drama directed by Tarun Dudeja, ‘Dhak Dhak’ brings together four women from different social lifestyles and age groups. Together, they set off on a bike trip to Ladakh, India, a place that is considered the highest mountain pass in the world and can be reached by vehicle. The journey also becomes a spiritual one as each experience brings about new realizations, thereby adding to the meaning of life and what it means to be free. The film stars Dia Mirza, Ratna Pathak Shah, Fatima Sana Shaikh, and Sanjana Sanghi. You can watch it here .

4. 4L (2019)

‘4L,’ known popularly as ‘4 latas’ in Spanish, revolves around Tocho, an alcoholic with bad manners, and Jean Pierre, a past womanizer who still reminisces about his glory days. The film opens with Tocho reading a letter that informs him about his old friend, Joseba, who is seemingly on his deathbed in Timbuktu. The letter makes Tocho realize what he has lost, and soon, he makes up his mind to meet his friend before his death. On top of it, the two also plan on taking Joseba’s estranged daughter, Ely, to her father. Interestingly, apart from agreeing to the trip at a moment’s notice, Ely even provides the men with an old 1982 Renault, the same car the three friends had once used to cross the desert. Thus, they embark on a massive road trip from Paris to Timbuktu while being surrounded by fond memories. Moreover, even though the experiences they have on the road change their outlook on life, the film ultimately teaches us the value of friendship, family, and love. You can watch ‘4L’ here .

3. Qarib Qarib Single (2017)

A Hindi-language Bollywood feel-good rom-com directed by Tanuja Chandra, ‘Qarib Qarib Single’ stars Irrfan Khan and Parvathy Thiruvothu. When two strangers meet via an online dating platform, it’s usually a date that decides whether they will agree to go on further dates with each other. For Jaya (a 35-year-old widow) and Yogi (a not-that-famous poet), it is an adventure that decides it. After some humorous experiences, the two decide to go and visit Yogi’s three ex-girlfriends. Thus begins a memorable trip for our duo as well as for us. From Dehradun to Jaipur to Gangtok, the journey is full of humor, confusion, and humor-filled confusion and ends in a perfect manner. Stop guessing, as you can stream the film right here .

2. Paddleton (2019)

A road trip meets the trip of life in this comedy-drama directed by Alexandre Lehmann. It tells the story of two misfits/neighbors/best friends, Michael and Andy, between whom Michael is diagnosed with terminal cancer . With six months to live, Michael, accompanied by a reluctant Andy, set off on a 6-hour drive to the nearest pharmacy that has the required meds. Their experiences during the journey, which throw light on their friendship and the reality of life in general, make ‘Paddleton’ an enriching road trip movie. The cast includes Mark Duplass as Michael, Ray Romano as Andy, Kadeem Hardison, Christine Woods, Stephen Oyoung, Marguerite Moreau, and Alana Carithers. Feel free to check out the movie here .

1. Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara (2011)

Directed by Zoya Akhtar, ‘ Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara ’ is an Indian Hindi-language movie that tells the story of three friends who come together after a long time when one of them gets engaged. The bachelor trip that follows folds out into a buffet of experiences, both physically and emotionally, as the lives of all three begin to reveal themselves. Pain, regret, fear, mistakes, love, happiness, and insecurities take center stage and address the title of the movie, which translates to ‘Life never happens twice.’ The cast includes Farhan Akhtar , Hrithik Roshan , and Abhay Deol as the three friends, along with Katrina Kaif , Kalki Koechlin , Naseeruddin Shah , and Deepti Naval. You may watch the film here .

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Movie Review: Bad Trip (2021)

• Maxance Vincent
• Movie Reviews
• --> March 28, 2021

2021 has been an incredible year for absurdist comedies that push the boundaries of socially acceptable humor to the extremes. Josh Greenbaum’s “Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar” is still the funniest (and best) film of the year (so far), but there’s a new competitor in town that dares to go back to the hidden camera pranks of MTV’s “Jackass” era: Bad Trip . Co-produced by “Jackass” filmmaker Jeff Tremaine and directed by “The Eric Andre Show” helmer Kitao Sakurai, Bad Trip contains some of the funniest hidden camera pranks since 2002’s “Jackass: The Movie,” with an extra level of authenticity that’s never been truly reached before.

The film’s framing device is rather simple: Chris (Eric André, “ Rough Night ”) rekindles with the high-school love of his life, Maria Li (Michaela Conlin, “ Enchanted ”) while working at a smoothie shop, which prompts him to go on a road trip to New York City with his best friend, Bud (Lil Rel Howery, “ Get Out ”), to go after Maria. They embark in Bud’s sister Trina’s (Tiffany Haddish, “ Nobody’s Fool ”) stolen car without knowing that she recently broke out of prison and is currently on the lookout for them.

The “road trip” device serves as a quasi-excuse for André, Howery, and Haddish to prank real people without ever being afraid of pushing it to the extremes. And this is what makes Bad Trip particularly funny: Seeing Eric André and others perform exuberant acts of total “shock-slapstick” comedy for a completely impervious public and always going the extra mile to make every situation as uncomfortable as possible. For example, Chris works at a smoothie shop, with a total disregard of basic hygiene protocols (this is particularly timely in the COVID era we currently live in) and, after seeing “the love of his life” for the first time in a year, accidentally puts his hand in a blender which begins to splatter out *lots* of blood. The timing is impeccable, especially when the hidden cameras brilliantly capture the customers’ natural reactions of pure disgust and, finally, shock. And this bit only gives a taste of what’s to come, with the pranks becoming more elaborate (and sometimes reaching downright terrifying levels of comedy) as the film moves along.

Eric André is, in my opinion, one of the funniest comedians living today — and continues to prove his dynamite timing with this film. This feels like a movie especially crafted for him (and his friends) to showcase just how talented he is at not only physical comedy, but also improvisation. Many of the sequences with real people aren’t scripted, and André’s quick-thinking makes him shine in almost every single one of these scenes. This is most evident because the film’s scripted scenes that supposedly “move the plot forward” are incredibly dull and uninspired to watch. Of course, you’re not going to watch Bad Trip for the plot — chances are you’re watching the movie for André and Sakurai’s skills at revitalizing a (seemingly) long-dead sub-genre of comedy, which is fine, but the plot should’ve still been more polished and feel less rushed.

Also, running at almost 79-minutes without credits, the movie doesn’t have enough time to properly develop character depth or the relationships between Chris, Bud, and Trina effectively, forgoing that to go to the “good stuff” quickly. It’s safe to say, if you want your audience to truly immerse themselves to not only the insane hidden-camera sequences Sakurai and André put on display, it helps to have compelling characters. Without them, the hidden-camera sequences feel completely detached from the alleged story piecing it all together.

Still, Bad Trip begs to be experienced. It brilliantly recaptures the unflinching insanity of Jeff Tremaine’s “Jackass” triptych whilst reaching new levels of stranger participation and authenticity Tremaine’s films were never able to achieve. Put the poorly-developed story aside and have fun with Kitao Sakurai’s boundary-pushing comedy that’s sure to elicit an insane amount of laughter . . . though be warned of its audacity to shock with many gross-out sequences. If you loved “Jackass,” you will absolutely adore Bad Trip . Take the plunge on Netflix — you will most certainly not regret it.

Tagged: friends , New York City , pranksters , road trip , sister

Freelance film critic based in Montreal, Québec, with an interest in everything genre cinema has to offer. Follow me on twitter @MaxFromQuebec.

Movie Review: Lady of the Manor (2021) Movie Review: The Exchange (2021) Movie Review: Awake (2021) Movie Review: Things Heard & Seen (2021) Movie Review: Thunder Force (2021) Movie Review: Yes Day (2021)

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The 10 Best Road Movies of the 21st Century, Ranked

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The 10 best sci-fi b-movies, ranked, the 10 greatest movies of all time, according to roger ebert.

Road movies have existed since the dawn of cinema. It refers to a sub-genre in which the characters go on an extended road trip, undergoing significant changes and altering their worldviews. Timeless and acclaimed classics like It Happened One Night , Easy Rider , and Thelma & Louise are three of the most famous examples of this celebrated sub-genre.

The 21st century has produced several well-known road movies, many of which have become instant classics. From revered indies to beloved comedies and even a few animated efforts, these films are among the finest examples of the road movie, worthy of standing alongside the classics.

10 'Zombieland' (2009)

Academy Award nominees Jesse Eisenberg , Woody Harrelson , and Abigail Breslin join Academy Award winner Emma Stone in Ruben Fleischer 's zombie comedy Zombieland . The plot follows four survivors of a zombie apocalypse who join forces while trying to stay alive.

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Zombieland is wild, fun, gory, and hilarious, an instant classic in the horror-comedy genre. The film features the four characters on a lengthy road trip across the ravaged United States while searching for a haven against the zombies. Part road movie, part overblown horror-comedy, Zombieland is an incredibly quotable thrill ride with a scene-stealing cameo by Bill Murray .

9 'The Motorcycle Diaries (2004)

The ever-underrated Gael García Bernal plays Latin-American icon and Marxist revolutionary Ernesto "Che" Guevara in Walter Salles ' 2004 biopic The Motorcycle Diaries . Based on Guevara's memoir, the film chronicles his expedition throughout South America when he was 23.

Some movies inspire audiences to travel and see the world around them; The Motorcycle Diaries is one such film. Salles captures the beauty of South America, exalting the lush vistas and showcasing the cultural wealth of the southern part of the continent. The Motorcycle Diaries is a classic coming-of-age story, a compelling retelling of the experience that would shape one of modern history's most influential figures.

8 'Into the Wild' (2007)

Sean Penn 's 2007 biopic Into the Wild retells the last journey of Christopher McCandless, a college graduate who embarks on an adventure in the wilderness and attempts to live off the land. Emile Hirsch stars as McCandless, leading a large ensemble including Hal Holbrook , Catherine Keener , Kristen Stewart , and Vince Vaughn .

Into the Wild is a beautiful but heart-wrenching and eye-opening exploration of the true meaning of freedom. Hirsch is stellar as the thrill-seeking McCandless, delivering a harrowing and earnest performance that ranks among his best. Into the Wild refuses to romanticize McCandless' adventure, instead emphasizing the innate contradictions of nature and the dangers of refusing to see things for what they are.

7 'Nebraska' (2013)

Alexander Payne 's 2013 black-and-white comedy Nebraska stars Bruce Dern in an Oscar-nominated performance. The film centers on Woody, a cantankerous Montana man who sets out on a lengthy road trip to Nebraska to claim a $1 million sweepstakes prize.

One of the great black-and-white movies of the 21st century , Nebraska is a loving, biting, and funny ode to family and legacy. Anchored by Dern's career-best work and aided by an excellent cast, including the scene-stealing, Oscar-nominated June Squibb , Nebraska is an emotional road movie that proves the journey truly is the destination.

6 'The Mitchells vs. the Machines' (2021)

Netflix's 2021 animated film The Mitchells vs. the Machines is among the streamer's great triumphs. The plot centers on the Mitchells, a dysfunctional family on a road trip who must step up and save the Earth from a machine uprising. The film features a brilliant voice cast, including Danny McBride , Maya Rudolph , and Oscar winner Olivia Colman .

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Exciting and beautifully animated, The Mitchells vs. the Machines is a sweet and uplifting story for all audiences. Like the best road movies, it uses its setting to offer a deeper look into a specific issue; in this case, it's family dynamics and the challenges of growing up in an increasingly advanced world.

5 'Almost Famous' (2000)

Almost Famous is Cameron Crowe 's masterpiece , a road trip movie starring an ensemble led by Patrick Fugit , Billy Crudup , and Kate Hudson . A semi-autobiographical take on Crowe's early life, the film follows William Miller, a teenager touring with an up-and-coming band while writing an article about them for Rolling Stone .

An intoxicating trip into the wild and colorful 70s, Almost Famous is a certified modern classic. The film is a warm and energetic yet sobering coming-of-age story about fame, ambition, and youth, powered by one of the best soundtracks in the 21st century. With an irresistible vibe and enchanting performances, especially from the Oscar-nominated Hudson, Almost Famous is a fascinating journey to a time when everything seemed possible.

4 'Little Miss Sunshine (2006)

The 2006 tragicomedy Little Miss Sunshine stars one of the best ensembles of the 2000s. Greg Kinnear , Toni Colette , Steve Carell , Alan Arkin , Paul Dano , and Abigail Breslin star as the Hoovers, a dysfunctional family on a road trip to take their youngest, Olive, to compete in a child beauty pageant.

Little Miss Sunshine is among modern cinema's most famous independent movies. Funny, sharp, biting, and emotional, the film is a sardonic but loving portrayal of family , strengthened by a spectacular screenplay and Arkin and Breslin's unforgettable, Oscar-nominated performances.

3 'Sideways' (2004)

Paul Giamatti , Thomas Haden Church , Sandra Oh , and Virginia Madsen star in Alexander Payne's 2004 road comedy Sideways . The plot centers on two friends, depressed failed novelist Miles and past-his-prime actor Jack, who embark on a road trip to Santa Barbara wine county to celebrate Jack's upcoming wedding.

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Benefitting from Payne's trademark humor and wit, Sideways is a clever look at middle age and the usual crises that come with it. An outstanding cast further contributes to the film's success, especially the Oscar-nominated Church and Madsen. Sideways is among Payne's most moving efforts, a compelling and comprehensive look at human nature and relationships.

2 'Drive My Car (2021)

Ryusuke Hamaguchi 's 2021 road drama Drive My Car is a modern masterpiece. The plot revolves around the relationship between Yūsuke Kafuku, an aging actor and director, and Misaki Watari, a 20-year-old woman he hires as a chauffeur.

Based on Haruki Murakami's eponymous short story , Drive My Car is a stunning and thoughtful exploration of identity, grief, and acceptance. Its intimidating length might be too much for some, but the film is a rich, profoundly affecting, rewarding experience full of symbolism and meaning.

1 'Y Tu Mamá También' (2001)

Alfonso Cuarón 's 2001 coming-of-age road drama Y Tu Mamá También marks a before and after in Mexican cinema. Gael García Bernal, Diego Luna , and Maribel Verdú star in the story of two adolescent boys and a twenty-something woman who embark on a road trip to a fictitious beach, Boca del Cielo.

Presenting a remarkably honest depiction of Mexican politics at a time of deep societal uncertainty, Y Tu Mamá También is a poignant and striking exploration of youth, maturity, and social dynamics. Erotic, intelligent, and emotionally powerful, Y Tu Mamá También is the rare road movie that packs meaning in every shot, never allowing a single line of dialog to go to waste.

NEXT: The Best Romantic Dramas Of The 21st Century, Ranked

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Gordon Ramsay's American Road Trip

Gordon Ramsay hits the road with Gino D'Acampo and Fred Sirieix, traveling across the U.S. by RV. Gordon Ramsay hits the road with Gino D'Acampo and Fred Sirieix, traveling across the U.S. by RV. Gordon Ramsay hits the road with Gino D'Acampo and Fred Sirieix, traveling across the U.S. by RV.

• Ben Archard
• Gino D'Acampo
• Gordon Ramsay
• Fred Sirieix
• 4 User reviews

• Self - Co-Presenter

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• Connections Edited from Gordon, Gino & Fred's Road Trip (2018)

User reviews 4

• destiny_west
• Jan 27, 2023
• January 6, 2021 (United States)
• United States
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