Family trip movies are always fun to watch. Adventures often go wrong with kids whether you’re prepared or not, yet they’re always worth it. Our extensive list of the best family trip movies will entertain and inspire you.
Are you planning a family road trip with? Or are you on vacation with your kids, and the weather doesn’t cooperate? Or any of the other million reasons you’d like to relax on the couch and put your feet up? We’ve got you covered with a list of the 33 best family trip movies you’ll love!
Our list includes:
- animated cartoons and movies about family vacations for little kids
- comedies and family road trip movies for older kids and teens
- family travel movies for adults that are also suitable for older kids
And best of all, we’ve also included a link where the movie is available to watch. Hint – Amazon prime video is your best friend for this.
*In the spirit of full disclosure: Some links in this post are affiliate links, which means that if you purchase through them, we receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. We appreciate your support!
Best family trip movies for younger kids
1. Up (2009)
Up is one of my all-time favourite animated movies. The adventure of a lifetime awaits an old and quirky salesman with a scout boy. As he fulfills his dream of an adventure by tying up balloons to his house and setting off to South America, the young boy finds himself trapped and joins him to visit Paradise Falls in the jungle.
This movie is fun to watch for the whole family; I also love it because it was inspired by Angel Falls in Venezuela, one of my favourite countries in the world.
2. Madagascar (2005)
A story about a group of animals – lion, zebra, giraffe, and hippo – who spent their lives in the New York City Zoo until the zebra escaped with the help of penguins. While his friends follow him, they get captured and shipped to an African wildlife preserve. After a few mishaps on the ship, they fall overboard and find themselves in Madagascar.
While this is an enjoyable movie for kids, I enjoyed watching Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa (2008) and Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted (2012).
3. Rio (2011)
A young macaw named Blu is domesticated and unable to fly, happily living his life with Linda. But when a female of his kind is found in Brazil, Blu and Linda need to make a trip to Rio de Janeiro. Even though smugglers kidnap Blu, and he later escapes, he has to find a way home back to Linda.
Rio captures the spirit of Brazil so beautifully that you’d want to visit just based on this movie! And with the upbeat music, it makes a great family trip movie.
4. Moana (2016)
An adventurous girl Moana and demigod Maui sail the ocean in an attempt to save her people and discover her ancestors. It’s action-packed, humorous, and showcases the beautiful Hawaiian Islands. What else can you ask for?
Moana is one of the best family trip movies for younger kids that will leave them inspired to seek their adventure.
5. Ice Age (2002)
Ice Age shows an unusual group of friends consisting of a mammoth, tiger, sloth and a squirrel as they migrate south in an attempt to escape frostbite about twenty thousand years ago.
What I liked the most was the short escapades of the squirrel shown throughout the movie. The squirrel is just hilarious! And the group of friends shows that you can get along with different beings when you treat each other as a family.
6. Brave (2012)
A redhead girl Merida is the daughter of the Scottish King who rebels against the norms set by old traditions of the kingdom. On her way to fight for her path in life, she seeks a witch. Merida must find enormous courage in her to fight the witch’s curse.
The most memorable quote from the movie: “Our fate lives in us. You only have to be brave enough to see it.” It sets an example for kids to be brave and carve their path.
7. The Croods (2013)
The Crood family lives in a cave surviving many disasters because the head of the family refuses to let anyone out. When an earthquake destroys their cave, they leave to the jungle, searching for a new home. In the meantime, the rebellious daughter founds a human boy, and they become friends. This comes with lots of new challenges when the father finds out.
While the family is happy living outside, the father finds a new cave but struggles to convince his family to join him while his daughter and the boy become very close.
The Croods show typical problems of many modern parents even though it’s set in a prehistoric period. But also show the journey of finding the way back to their roots.
8. Paddington (2014)
When a Peruvian bear founds himself lost at Paddington station in London, he’s lucky to find a new home with the Brown family. They try to help him find Mr. Clyde, who found the bears in Peru and is supposed to help the bear return home. Through many troubles they have to go through, they also have to make sure the museum’s taxidermist doesn’t catch him first.
Is Paddington the bear going to return to Peru? Or is he going to find a permanent home in London? Following the story of an orphaned bear while he’s living in a strange world with new people around was surprisingly exciting.
9. Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation (2018)
Dracula decides to have a break during the summer vacation and take his family on a cruise. An idyllic vacation turns into a nightmare when Dracula falls in love with the captain. She is mysterious and hides a big secret that can destroy Dracula’s family.
This 3rd movie in the Hotel Transylvania series sends a message of tolerance and understanding. Also, it’s the funniest one to watch for the whole family.
10. Finding Nemo
A brave young fish, Nemo tries to prove himself to his father only to get caught by a diver in Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. His father, Marlin, sets out on a rescue mission with Dory, a fish with an incredibly short memory who complicates this long journey. Little Nemo is also trying to plan an escape on his own.
A beautiful and incredibly colourful movie that’s a treat for the eye. The beginning might be scary for the little ones, so I will show Finding Nemo to my son when he’s older.
11. A Goofy Movie (1995)
Goofy’s son Max is now in high school, trying to impress a girl he has a crush on. But after so much trouble trying to get her attention, he finally asks her on a date, but dad’s plans ruin the fun. He has planned a father-son bonding fishing trip across the country.
It’s another fun family trip movie that you’ll surely enjoy. I don’t know about you, but I like watching these old Disney cartoons with Goofy, Mickey Mouse, or Donald Duck.
12. Cars (2006)
While travelling to a race, a rookie racecar, Lightning McQueen, falls off of his trailer and gets lost in a small sleepy town along the famous Route 66. Thanks to his newfound friends of a Porsche, Hudson Hornet, and a rusty tow truck, he finds more than trophies. McQueen finds out that life is about the journey, not the destination, and that friendship is worth much more than fame.
Cars is a classic animated Pixar movie with nice music, animation, and a heart-warming plot. The best of all is that all family members will enjoy watching Cars.
13. Mr. Bean’s Holiday (2007)
Mr. Bean goes on a holiday from England to southern France. As it goes with Mr. Bean, he finds himself in a completely different place than on a sunny beach through many incidents and misunderstandings. He appears at the Cannes Film Festival.
In the rare case that you’re not familiar with Mr. Bean, I must warn you that you will laugh the whole movie. This brilliant English actor is so quirky that his mimic and weird body moves can make a stone laugh.
14. Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey (1993)
When the Seavers family leaves for vacation, they leave their pets at a friend’s ranch. After thinking they’ve been abandoned forever, the golden retriever, an American bulldog, and a cat decide to find their way home on their own. The adventures waiting for them in the wilderness are unlike anything they’re used to when living with humans.
I love that the Homeward Bound is not animated and played by real animals. That alone gives the adventures a whole new level.
15. The Proud Family Movie (2005)
A 16-year-old girl Penny Proud is getting ready to celebrate her big birthday with a chance of auditioning as a dancer for a famous rapper, 15 Cent. Unfortunately, after the father finds her kissing the rapper, she’s grounded and unable to audition or celebrate her birthday.
In the meantime, the father unexpectedly invents a new serum that makes peanuts grow and explode. When the evil doctor realizes the potential of the serum, he invites the family to his island with secret plans of creating peanut clones of the family to steal the formula.
An animated movie full of fun scenes makes it one of the best family trip movies on this list.
16. The Loud House (2021)
The newest animated musical, The Loud House, follows a family to Scotland, where they find out they’re royal descendants. The family doesn’t hesitate for a second and takes full advantage of the royal life in the castle. With 11 children in the house, it gets very loud very quickly.
As with stories about castles, there’s a prince, an enemy, and a fight for the crown. And the only boy in the family is making sure he’s no longer living in the shadows of his ten sisters.
17. Garfield: A Tale of Two Kitties (2006)
Garfield and his friend Odie go to England with Jon. When the Queen dies, she inherits everything to her cat Prince. But Queen’s only heir is after him, and Prince disappears. Garfield is a look-alike to Prince and is believed to inherit the castle as chance would have it. He’s not wasting any time enjoying his royal treatment until the heir comes after him.
A Tale of Two Kitties is a comedy with live actors and animals, except the cat Garfield. He’s hilarious and will make the whole family laugh.
Best family trip movies for teens and adults
18. Little Miss Sunshine (2006)
A seven-year-old Olive wants to compete in a beauty pageant so the whole family will support her. They travel across the US in an old Volkswagen bus and head to California. But each family member, including an uncle, grandfather, and brother, has their little quirks, making this family road trip challenge.
Little Olive is unaware of the inappropriate dance she’s performing at the beauty pageant and is disqualified. But not before her whole family takes the stage to support her dream.
It’s not your typical comedy, but rather a drama with hints of humour. I’m not the biggest fan, but the movie was nominated for Golden Globe, so I recommend watching it yourself.
19. Moonrise Kingdom (2012)
In the summer of 1965, two twelve-year-olds fall in love and decide to run away together. They set off into the wilderness while the girl’s family is looking for her and the boy’s scout camp. Meanwhile, the kids are enjoying the most incredible adventure of their lives.
I was surprised to see so many big names in the movie – Bruce Willis, Edward Norton, and Bill Murray.
20. Vacation (2015)
The father surprises his wife and sons with a family trip to a fun park across the US. But just as with many family trips, it’s one misadventure after another.
Do you remember the family trip movies about Griswolds starring Chevy Chase? The main protagonist of Vacation is his son Rusty.
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21. Home Alone (1990)
A little eight-year-old Kevin causes trouble the evening before a big family trip to Paris, and his mom makes him sleep in the attic. In the morning, when the whole family rushes to the airport, no one notices that Kevin is missing. After having the best time ever home alone, Kevin finds out two burglars are planning to rob their house, and only Kevin is there to spoil the fun.
I think this family movie about vacation goes wrong doesn’t need an introduction. It’s a lot of fun for every family member. And don’t forget there’s also another part of Home Alone 2: Lost in New York.
22. Yes Day (2021)
Children are used to hearing No from parents all the time. But something changes for parents Allison and Carlos when they realize they used to have way more fun in the past. They decide to have a Yes Day for kids. That means they have to say Yes to everything for 24 hours.
Every kid’s dream comes true as they adventure around their hometown all day long, having fun and getting close to each other again.
23. Finding Ohana (2021)
Pili and her brother Ioane unwillingly go from NYC to spend the summer in rural Oahu. After the initial resentment, Pili finds an old notebook with a treasure map left behind by pirates.
As kids search for the lost treasure, they find more than gold. They find a way back to their family and Hawaiian heritage. It’s one of the best family trip movies since it’s like a kids’ version of Indiana Jones.
24. The Call of the Wild (2020)
The Call of the Wild follows the story of Buck, a big old dog, a crossbreed between Saint Bernard and a Scotch Collie. He is taken from his care-free home in California to Alaska and then Yukon. The reason is simple – strong dogs were in high demand during Gold Rush in 1890.
Harrison Ford takes Buck on an adventure of a lifetime as they fight to survive in the wilderness together.
25. Extortion (2017)
When a Caribbean vacation turns unexpectedly, and the family with a five-year-old son gets stranded on an inhabited island, it’s a recipe for disaster. When they see fishermen thinking they might rescue them, they’re asking for a ransom. A desperate father is abducted, and the mom with her son is left on the island. But even though dad makes it back into the civilization, he has no idea on which island his family is.
Extortion is one of the movies about a family vacation that goes wrong. It’s thrilling and will leave you sitting on the edge until the end.
26. The Way Way Back (2013)
A 14-year-old Duncan is forced to spend summer vacation with his mom, her boyfriend and his daughter at a beach house. Duncan is constantly bothered by her boyfriend and runs away to a water park. He finds himself a job attending to pools and slides, but more importantly, he finds a father figure he needs so much.
The park manager takes Duncan under his wings, and thanks to his care, Duncan’s confidence rises, and he finally starts to enjoy his vacation.
The question is – how is Duncan supposed to get along with his mom’s boyfriend?
27. We’re the Millers (2013)
When a marijuana dealer is robbed and owes money to his supplier, he is sent to Mexico to even out the debt. His brilliant idea involves hiring a fake family and taking them on a family vacation in an RV.
It’s hilarious and inappropriate for little kids in a few scenes, but the countless funny scenes will surely make you forget your real-life problems.
28. Endangered Species (2021)
A wealthy American family goes on a vacation to Kenya. A rhino attacks them during their safari tour through the wilderness, and their jeep is damaged. Far from civilization, injured, and without food or water, they need to find their way back. When two of them go searching for help, they stumble upon a leopard and a group of hyenas. The fight for their lives begins.
Another one from the group of family trip movies you don’t want to miss. A family vacation can go wrong in many ways but rarely involve running from African wild animals.
29. Eat Pray Love (2010)
Newly divorced, Liz sets on a journey to find herself. It leads her to Italy, India, and Indonesia, where she discovers other joys of life than what she’s used to. Food in Italy, praying in India, and peace and love in Indonesia.
A romantic movie based on a true story with excellent Julia Roberts and Javier Bardem. It portrays all three countries in a way that you will want to book a flight by the end of the movie.
30. Mad Families (2017)
Three families plan to enjoy the 4th of July celebrations by going camping. The problem arises when they’ve been given the same camping spot. The competition begins. And while men push it way further than necessary, women start to enjoy each other’s company laughing at their husbands.
Can you imagine watching any other family trip movie while camping? Especially if it’s raining, you don’t feel too bad about yourself.
31. Permanent Vacation (2007)
When his boss forces a middle-aged Englishman, Eric, to take a vacation, he decides to take his family on one of the last trips before his grown-up kids leave the house. Instead of a nice family vacation, they somehow run into sex addicts, corpses, police officers and other unusual characters.
If you enjoy black comedy, then Permanent Vacation is for you.
32. Grown Ups (2010)
A group of five high school friends get together decades later after their basketball coach passes away. This time, they’re all meeting with their families as well. Their stay by the lake is full of old memories between friends and trying to entertain their kids outside in nature.
The stars playing in Grown Ups include Adam Sandler, Salma Hayek, and Chris Rock, a recipe for a hilarious family travel movie.
33. Force Majeure (2014)
A family travels to French Alps to enjoy skiing. The sun is shining, and snow is inviting them to play, but everything changes when they see an avalanche. Dad runs for his life, leaving his wife and kids behind.
After they reunite, the wife is irritated by her irresponsible husband, who tries to deny that he ran away. Their friends bring up the footage of him running away, and from that moment, the marital problems unveil themselves.
This comedy-drama is a foreign movie in the Swedish language.
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Our massive list of the best family trip movies includes different genres, plots, and styles so everyone can find a movie they like.
Even though it took a long time to put this together, it’s a growing list where I will keep adding more and more movies about family vacations.
Which one from our family trip movies are you going to watch? Let us know in the comments if you have a recommendation for family vacation movies we haven’t included.
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