Buzz
Chloé Zhao’s Oscar-winning film Nomadland is driving a surge in tourism to unconventional spots in South Dakota, such as the Reptile Gardens animal park and the iconic Wall Drug Store, both highlighted in the movie.
While these locations deserve recognition, it’s not just the places themselves but the narrative around them that’s captivating. Nomadland portrays the Badlands region in a way that feels alluring and poignant, despite the film’s depiction of it as far from a tourist haven. We’re drawn to these destinations not for trinkets but for the profound, almost melancholic essence that Frances McDormand’s character discovers. A powerful film can transform our perception of a place (and its inhabitants), revealing charm and beauty where we least expect it.
These films inspire journeys across America, steering clear of typical tourist traps. Each journey is layered and intricate, exploring diverse landscapes and narratives as multifaceted as the people who call this country home.
The Straight Story (1999)
In a departure from his usual style, David Lynch’s The Straight Story trades surreal symbolism and dark themes for serene landscapes and heartfelt storytelling. The film follows Alvin Straight (Richard Farnsworth) as he embarks on a 240-mile trek from Laurens, Iowa, to Mount Zion, Wisconsin, to reconcile with his ailing brother, Lyle (Harry Dean Stanton). Unable to drive and with limited resources, Alvin makes the journey on a lawnmower, moving at a slow but steady pace. Based on a true story, the film captures the quiet beauty of the Midwest and the resilience of its people.
Where to stream: Disney+
Little Miss Sunshine (2006)
A quirky and dysfunctional family embarks on a cross-country trip in a yellow Volkswagen van, traveling from Albuquerque, New Mexico, to Redondo Beach, California, so their youngest daughter, Olive, can compete in the “Little Miss Sunshine” beauty pageant. While the family members’ personalities may seem exaggerated at times, the stellar cast and the film’s underlying message about rejecting societal norms make it memorable. The journey through the western landscapes serves as a powerful metaphor for the highs and lows of chasing the American dream.
Where to stream: Digital rental
It Happened One Night (1934)
Often hailed as the original screwball comedy, this film is also a pioneer in the road trip genre. Ellie Andrews (Claudette Colbert), a wealthy heiress, flees her controlling father by boarding a Greyhound bus in Florida, aiming to reunite with her husband in New York City. Along the way, she crosses paths with down-to-earth journalist Peter Warne (Clark Gable), who offers to assist her in exchange for an exclusive story. Their journey is filled with humorous mishaps, including Ellie’s infamous hitchhiking scene and a precarious motel room setup, ultimately leading them to an unexpected destination in Michigan.
Where to stream: Crackle, Plex
Nebraska (2013)
Woody Grant (Bruce Dern) is discovered walking along a highway near his home in Billings, Montana, after receiving a letter claiming he’s won a million-dollar prize from a magazine sweepstakes. The marketing agency’s address is in Lincoln, Nebraska, over 800 miles away. When Woody attempts the journey again, his son David decides to accompany him, leading to an awkward family reunion along the way. Director Alexander Payne’s black-and-white cinematography beautifully captures the charm of rundown houses, local bars, and the stark, expansive landscapes of the Midwest.
Where to stream: Pluto TV
Queen & Slim (2009)
While comparisons to Bonnie & Clyde are inevitable, Queen & Slim tells a distinctly modern story. Jodie Turner-Smith and Daniel Kaluuya play two individuals who become fugitives after a routine traffic stop escalates into a deadly confrontation with an aggressive police officer. Their journey from Ohio to Cuba transforms them into unlikely folk heroes. Director Melina Matsoukas crafts a visually stunning narrative, with some of the most poignant moments unfolding in New Orleans. The film delves into the complexities of Black Americans’ experiences on the road, offering a darker, more introspective take on the traditional road trip genre.
Where to stream: Prime Video, Hulu
The Rider (2017)
Chloé Zhao’s second film, The Rider, shares thematic similarities with Nomadland, set against the backdrop of South Dakota’s Badlands. Brady Blackburn (Brady Jandreau), a former rodeo star, grapples with the aftermath of a traumatic brain injury that ended his career. Despite warnings from his family and doctors, he strives to reclaim his place in the rodeo. Zhao masterfully juxtaposes the breathtaking beauty of the open landscapes with the harsh realities of life on the Pine Ridge Reservation. Her debut film, Songs My Brothers Taught Me, also set on the reservation, showcases her unique storytelling style, which fans hope she’ll bring to her future projects.
Where to stream: Prime Video, Hulu, Starz
Into the Wild (2007)
Who hasn’t fantasized about escaping into the wilderness and living off the grid? Emile Hirsch portrays Chris McCandless, a real-life wanderer whose story was chronicled in Jon Krakauer’s book. After graduating college, McCandless abandons his identity, burns his IDs, and sets off in his Datsun to explore the country, severing nearly all ties to his past. The film traces his journey from Atlanta to Arizona, California, and ultimately Denali National Park in Alaska. While his tale doesn’t end happily, the allure of leaving everything behind to embrace adventure is undeniably compelling.
Where to stream: Netflix
Old Joy (2006)
Kelly Reichardt’s films often capture the essence of road trips, even when the destinations are close. In Old Joy, two longtime friends reconnect during a camping trip in the Cascade Mountains near Portland, Oregon. Kurt (Will Oldham) clings to his bohemian lifestyle, while Mark (Daniel London) views the trip as a brief escape from his settled life. Against the stunning backdrop of the Pacific Northwest, including the serene Bagby Hot Springs, the film explores unspoken tensions and the complexities of their friendship.
Where to stream: The Criterion Channel
Wild (2014)
Reese Witherspoon portrays Cheryl Strayed, a real-life adventurer who, in 1995, embarked on a 1,000-mile trek along the Pacific Crest Trail. Unlike seasoned hikers, Strayed was inexperienced, facing life-threatening challenges and learning harsh lessons, like using the wrong fuel for cooking. The film juxtaposes her grueling journey with flashbacks of her mother’s death and a painful divorce. Strayed’s hike becomes less about escape and more about confronting and overcoming the shadows of her past, offering a raw and compelling narrative.
Where to stream: Digital rental
Goodbye Solo (2008)
Set in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, this film follows Solo (Souléymane Sy Savané), a Senegalese cab driver, who picks up an elderly man (Red West) requesting a one-way trip to Blowing Rock. Sensing the man’s despair, Solo tries to rekindle his will to live by introducing him to his family. Their journey through the city and its surroundings subtly transforms both men, offering a poignant exploration of human connection and resilience without a tidy resolution.
Where to stream: Digital rental
On the Road (2012)
Adapted from Jack Kerouac’s iconic Beat-era novel, On the Road received mixed reviews but excelled in capturing the novel’s spirit of rebellion and freedom. The film’s stunning visuals and strong performances evoke the allure of abandoning societal norms and embracing the open road during the late 1940s and early 1950s jazz era. While it doesn’t fully replicate the novel’s frenetic energy, it beautifully conveys the fantasy of living life on one’s own terms.
Where to stream: Prime Video, Hulu, Sling TV
The Last Detail (1976)
Once deemed one of the crudest films for its prolific use of explicit language, The Last Detail is now celebrated for its heartfelt exploration of a unique American story. Directed by Hal Ashby and written by Robert Towne, the film faced challenges due to its profanity but ultimately shines through its humanity. Two Navy veterans are assigned to transport a young sailor (Randy Quaid) from Norfolk, Virginia, to a naval prison in Maine. Upon discovering the sailor’s harsh eight-year sentence for a minor theft, they decide to give him an unforgettable experience. The film’s raw portrayal of the northeastern landscape contrasts with the warmth of its characters’ camaraderie, making the journey unexpectedly captivating.
Where to stream: Digital rental
Thelma & Louise (1991)
Thelma and Louise’s iconic road trip across the American South to the Grand Canyon remains one of cinema’s most unforgettable journeys. Even with the well-known ending, the film’s appeal lies in its empowering message of defiance and freedom. The open road and vast landscapes symbolize their refusal to conform and their determination to live life on their own terms, making their final ride both poignant and inspiring.
Where to stream: Digital rental
Sideways (2004)
There’s no question that Sideways sparked a surge in tourism, rivaling the impact of Nomadland. The tale of a disillusioned wine enthusiast and his quirky actor friend exploring Santa Barbara’s wine country earned widespread praise. Beyond its acclaim, the film highlights the charm of southern California’s lush landscapes. Even for non-wine lovers, the idea of sipping wine under the sun holds undeniable allure.
Where to stream: Prime Video
Something Wild (1986)
While films like Nomadland celebrate the vast beauty of the Midwest and West, the urban East offers a more nuanced allure. Drawing inspiration from classic screwball comedies, such as It Happened One Night, Jeff Daniels’ character is swept into a chaotic road trip from New York City to Virginia by the unpredictable Lulu (Melanie Griffith). Director Jonathan Demme employs vibrant colors and a stellar soundtrack to capture the unexpected delight of their East Coast adventures. Like many great travel films, it ultimately explores the freedom of leaving one’s past behind.
Where to stream: Prime Video, Pluto TV
