Just imagine you're loading up the conversion van and heading on a road trip to grandma's house! Keeping the kids, and yourself, entertained on the trip can be quite a chore. However, with the amenities in your conversion van, even holiday travel can be an entertaining experience.
For our purposes today, you will not see Miracle on 34th Street or It's a Wonderful Life, you've already seen that list a thousand times. No, we gathered the best holiday road trip movies of all time to make even the longest of trips seamless in comparison.
And now, in no particular order, our favorites:
1. Are We There Yet? (2005)
If you are heading out on the open road, you are likely to hear this question a few times. Famed rapper and music producer, Ice Cube, may not be the first person you think of when choosing a holiday movie for the whole family, but take our word for it, Are We There Yet is quite a gem! This movie is entertaining for adults and kid friendly too.
2. Four Christmases (2008)
Lying about doing charity work over the holiday does not work out for childless couple Brad and Kate. When their lie is revealed on the news, the couple is forced to endure all four Christmases with crazy kinfolk. I'll bet your own travels will seem much less of a nuisance when you see the families Brad and Kate must endure.
3. Christmas with the Kranks (2004)
Many of us have threatened to skip Christmas altogether, but the Kranks actually go along with the plan. That is, until their daughter announces at the last minute that she will be home for the holiday and that she is looking forward to their annual Christmas party. The uproar this all causes is quite entertaining, even for the kids.
4. Planes, Trains & Automobiles (1987)
Yes, we're going old school with this one. This iconic film stars Steve Martin and John Candy in a topsy turvy tale of two strangers who must work together to get home for the holidays. Despite Martin's numerous attempts to lose the annoying Candy, they always manage to make their way back to each other. Endearing and ridiculous in a wonderful way, this movie has stood the test of time as one of the best movies about holiday travel.
5. National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (1989)
The Griswolds stay home for this holiday classic, but their luck doesn't seem any better. Chevy Chase and his family encounter disaster after disaster all the way to the SWAT team raid at the end. Quirky and timeless, the Griswolds will not disappoint.
6. The Polar Express (2004)
Perfectly suited for young children, this classic follows a young boy's train ride on Christmas Eve all the way to the North Pole to meet Santa Claus himself. Every child's dream, this adorable film highlights the power of belief so dear in the precious minds of young children.
7. Surviving Christmas (2004)
The wealty protagonist in this movie journies back to his childhoom home in an effort to recapture the family holidays of his youth. Not wanting to spend the holidays alone, Drew pays the family now living in the house to pose as his family. Very cute, this movie is a new must-see.
8. The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe (2005)
Oh yes, the classic of our childhood brought to the big screen. In this classic tale, Father Christmas himself makes an appearance, along with all the beloved characters of Narnia. Sure to bring some nostalgia with it for the parents, this story has become a favorite of a whole new generation as well.
9. Love Actually (2003)
Set in in London England just before Christmas, this tale follows eight couples dealing with their love lives. Perfect for the road trip without the kids!
10. The Ref (1994)
Another film best left for the parents, this hilarious film introduces us to a dysfunctional couple, their crazy family and the unlucky criminal who takes them hostage. Or is it the other way around?
Now that you have our list, load up the conversion van, push Play and sit back. It's going to be an enjoyable ride!