Whether you're a seasoned RVer or simply a fan of road trip movies, there's something special about the sense of adventure and freedom that comes with hitting the open road in a recreational vehicle. From classic comedies to indie dramas, RVing has been the subject of a number of memorable films over the years. In this list, we've compiled ten of the top RVing movies, ranging from lighthearted comedies to gripping thrillers. So pack your bags, grab some snacks, and join us as we explore the world of RVing on the silver screen.
1. "The Long, Long Trailer" (1954) - Starring Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, this classic film follows a newlywed couple as they embark on a cross-country journey in their massive, fully-equipped travel trailer.
2. "RV" (2006) - Robin Williams stars in this comedy about a family who rents an RV for a vacation, only to find that their rental vehicle has a mind of its own.
3. "Nomadland" (2020) - This Academy Award-winning drama follows a woman who, after losing everything in the Great Recession, decides to embark on a journey across the American West in her van, meeting other nomads along the way.
4. "Lost in America" (1985) - This comedy follows a yuppie couple who decide to ditch their high-stress careers and hit the road in an RV, but their plans go awry when they lose their life savings in Las Vegas.
5. "Race with the Devil" (1975) - Starring Peter Fonda and Warren Oates, this horror-thriller follows two couples who take their RV on a trip through the American Southwest, only to become the targets of a satanic cult.
6. "The Camper Van Beethoven Movie" (1986) - This offbeat film documents the travels of the alternative rock band Camper Van Beethoven as they tour the Pacific Northwest in their VW bus.
7. "Almost Famous" (2000) - While not strictly an RV movie, this coming-of-age story follows a young journalist as he travels on the road with a rock band in the 1970s, including scenes of the band and crew living in their tour bus.
8. "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation" (1989) - While not primarily an RV movie, this holiday classic features an iconic scene where the Griswold family sets up their RV in the front yard to host their extended family for Christmas.
9. "The Leisure Seeker" (2017) - Starring Helen Mirren and Donald Sutherland, this drama follows an elderly couple who embark on a road trip in their vintage Winnebago, reliving memories and making new ones along the way.
10. "The Great Outdoors" (1988) - While not focused exclusively on RVing, this comedy follows a family on vacation at a lakeside cabin, where they deal with a number of mishaps, including a run-in with a bear while camping in an RV.
From the iconic "The Long, Long Trailer" to the more recent "Nomadland", RVing movies have entertained and inspired audiences for decades. Whether you're looking for a good laugh or a poignant story of self-discovery, there's an RVing movie out there for everyone. These films remind us of the joys and challenges of life on the road, the sense of freedom that comes with exploring new places, and the bonds that can be formed between fellow travelers. So the next time you hit the open road, take some inspiration from these top RVing movies and make some memories of your own.
