19+ Best Movies About Family Vacations: Fun and Heartwarming Films for All Ages
Discover the best movies about family vacations. Enjoy fun and heartwarming films perfect for all ages
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Are you planning your next family vacation? Do you want to relive some of your favorite family vacation memories? Look no further than the movies!
Movies about family vacations are a great way to feel the excitement and adventure of a family trip without leaving your couch.
From classic comedies to heartwarming dramas, there are countless family vacation movies to choose from.
Whether you want to watch the Griswold family’s cross-country road trip in National Lampoon’s Vacation or follow the Cooper family’s European adventure in Love the Coopers, these movies are sure to entertain and inspire you.
Classic Family Vacation Movies
When it comes to classic family vacation movies, there are a few that come to mind. These movies are timeless and have been enjoyed by families for generations.
National Lampoon’s Vacation (1983)
Rated: R
IMDB: 7.3/10
Rent or Buy National Lampoon’s Vacation movie.
One of the most iconic family vacation movies is National Lampoon’s Vacation, which was released in 1983.
This movie follows the Griswold family, led by Clark Griswold (played by Chevy Chase), as they embark on a cross-country road trip to Walley World. Along the way, they encounter a number of mishaps and obstacles, including a run-in with the police and a visit to a cousin’s house that doesn’t go as planned.
This movie is a must-watch for anyone who loves a good road trip movie.
The Great Outdoors (1988)
Rated: PG
IMDB: 6.6/10
Rent or Buy The Great Outdoors movie.
Another classic family vacation movie is The Great Outdoors, which was released in 1988.
This movie stars John Candy and Dan Aykroyd as two families who are vacationing together in a cabin in the woods. While they are there, they encounter a number of challenges, including a bear that keeps stealing their food and a waterskiing mishap.
This movie is a great choice for anyone who loves the great outdoors and wants to watch a movie that is both funny and heartwarming.
National Lampoon’s European Vacation (1985)
Rating: PG-13
IMDB: 6.2/10
Rent or Buy National Lampoon’s European Vacation movie.
National Lampoon’s European Vacation is another classic family vacation movie that you should watch with your family. This movie was released in 1985 and follows the Griswold family as they travel to Europe for a vacation.
Along the way, they encounter a number of mishaps and obstacles, including getting lost in London and accidentally stealing a car in Germany.
This movie is a great choice for anyone who loves to travel or wants to experience Europe from the comfort of their own home. Also don’t miss the National Lampoon’s Vegas Vacation (1997).
Summer Rental (1985)
Rating: PG
IMDB: 6.2/10
Rent or Buy Summer Rental movie.
Summer Rental (1985) follows the story of Jack Chester, a stressed air traffic controller, who takes his family on a much-needed beach vacation. Along the way, they encounter a series of comedic and challenging mishaps.
Starring John Candy, Summer Rental is a heartwarming and funny movie that highlights the importance of family time and relaxation.
What About Bob (1991)
Rated: PG
IMDB: 7.8/10
Rent or Buy What About Bob movie.
What About Bob? follows the story of Bob Wiley, a lovable but neurotic patient, who tracks down his psychiatrist, Dr. Leo Marvin, during the doctor’s family vacation. Along the way, Bob’s antics create a series of hilarious and chaotic situations.
Starring Bill Murray and Richard Dreyfuss, What About Bob? is a heartwarming and comedic film that showcases the importance of patience and understanding in relationships.
A Goofy Movie (1995)
Rated: G
IMDB: 7.8/10
A Goofy Movie follows the adventures of Goofy and his teenage son, Max, as they embark on a road trip to strengthen their bond. Along the way, they face numerous hilarious and touching obstacles.
Featuring the voices of Bill Farmer and Jason Marsden, A Goofy Movie is a heartwarming and entertaining film that celebrates the importance of family and understanding.
Cheaper by the Dozen 2
Rated: PG
IMDB: 5.5/10
Rent or Buy The Mitchells vs. the Machines movie.
In this sequel to the 2003 film, the Baker family goes on a vacation to Lake Winnetka, where they encounter their old rivals, the Murtaughs.
The two families compete in a series of events to determine which family is better.
With a cast that includes Steve Martin and Bonnie Hunt, Cheaper by the Dozen 2 is a fun and lighthearted movie that the whole family can enjoy.
Captain Ron (1992)
Rated: PG
IMDB: 5.5/10
Rent or Buy Captain Ron movie.
Captain Ron follows the story of the Harvey family, who inherit a yacht and hire the quirky Captain Ron to help them sail from the Caribbean to Miami. Along the way, they encounter a series of humorous and unpredictable adventures.
Starring Kurt Russell and Martin Short, Captain Ron is a heartwarming and comedic film that highlights the importance of family bonding and embracing life’s unexpected moments.
Modern Takes on Family Vacations
If you’re looking for something more recent, there are plenty of modern movies about family vacations that you can enjoy.
From comedies to animated films, these movies are sure to entertain you and your family. Here are some of the best modern takes on family vacations.
Grown Ups (2010)
Rated: PG-13
IMDB: 6/10
Rent or Buy Grown Ups movie.
In this comedy film, you’ll follow the story of five childhood friends who reunite after 30 years for a Fourth of July weekend.
The group decides to rent an RV and take their families on a trip to a lake house. Along the way, they encounter all sorts of mishaps and adventures.
With a star-studded cast that includes Adam Sandler, Chris Rock, and Kevin James, Grown Ups is a hilarious movie that will keep you laughing from start to finish.
The Mitchells vs. the Machines (2021)
Rated: PG
IMDB: 7.6/10
Rent or Buy The Mitchells vs. the Machines movie.
This animated film follows the story of the Mitchell family, who decide to take a road trip to drop off their daughter at college.
Along the way, they encounter a robot uprising and must work together to save the world.
With stunning visuals and a heartwarming story, The Mitchells vs. the Machines is a must-watch for families.
RV (2006)
Rated: PG
IMDB: 7.8/10
RV follows the story of Bob Munro, who rents an RV to take his family on a road trip to Colorado in an effort to reconnect with them. Along the way, they face a series of comedic and chaotic mishaps.
Starring Robin Williams, RV is a heartwarming and funny movie that emphasizes the importance of family bonding and the adventures that come with it.
Little Miss Sunshine (2006)
Rated: R
IMDB: 7.8/10
Rent or Buy Little Miss Sunshine movie.
This indie film follows the story of the dysfunctional Hoover family as they travel to California for their daughter’s beauty pageant.
Along the way, they encounter all sorts of obstacles and challenges.
With a talented cast that includes Steve Carell and Toni Collette, Little Miss Sunshine is a heartwarming and poignant movie that will leave you feeling inspired.
Johnson Family Vacation (2004)
Rated: PG
Rent or Buy Johnson Family Vacation movie.
This movie follows the story of Nate Johnson, who takes his family on a cross-country road trip to their annual family reunion. Along the way, they face a series of humorous and challenging misadventures.
Starring Cedric the Entertainer and Vanessa Williams, Johnson Family Vacation is a heartwarming and funny movie that celebrates family togetherness and the unpredictable nature of family trips.
We’re the Millers (2013)
Rated: R
Rent or Buy We’re the Millers movie.
We’re the Millers (2013) follows small-time drug dealer David Clark, who creates a fake family to smuggle a large shipment of marijuana from Mexico.
Along the way, his makeshift family—consisting of a stripper, a runaway, and a teenage neighbor—encounters a series of comedic and chaotic situations.
Vacation (2015)
Rated: R
Rent or Buy Vacation movie.
Vacation follows the Griswold family as they embark on a cross-country road trip to Walley World, encountering a series of comedic mishaps along the way.
Starring Ed Helms and Christina Applegate, Vacation is a funny and heartwarming film that highlights the chaos and joy of family adventures.
Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul (2017)
Rated: PG
Rent or Buy Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul movie.
Diary of a Wimpy Kid follows the Heffley family as they embark on a road trip to attend Meemaw’s 90th birthday party. Along the way, they encounter a series of hilarious and unpredictable mishaps.
Starring Jason Drucker and Alicia Silverstone, Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul is a heartwarming and comedic film that highlights the chaos and fun of family adventures.
Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation (2018)
Rated: PG
Rent or Buy Hotel Transylvania 3 movie.
Hotel Transylvania follows story about Count Dracula and his monster family as they set sail on a luxury cruise for a much-needed vacation.
Along the way, they encounter a series of comedic and adventurous situations.
Starring Adam Sandler and Selena Gomez, the film is a fun and heartwarming ride that celebrates family fun and the joy of a summer getaway.
Unforgettable Vacation Mishaps
Going on a family vacation is always a fun and exciting experience, but sometimes things don’t go as planned.
Mishaps can happen, and they can turn what was supposed to be a relaxing vacation into a stressful and frustrating situation.
Here are some of the most unforgettable vacation mishaps that you may encounter on your family vacation.
Lost Luggage and Missed Flights
One of the most common vacation mishaps is lost luggage or missed flights.
This can be a frustrating experience, especially if you have important items in your luggage or if you have a tight schedule to keep.
In the movie “Home Alone 2: Lost in New York,” Kevin McCallister’s family accidentally leaves him behind when they go on vacation, and he must fend for himself in New York City.
This mishap leads to a series of hilarious and dangerous events that make for a great movie.
Unexpected Detours
Another common vacation mishap is unexpected detours. You may plan out your trip in advance, but sometimes things don’t go as planned.
In the movie “What About Bob?,” Bob Wiley follows his therapist on vacation and ends up causing chaos for the entire family.
This mishap leads to a series of funny and awkward situations that will keep you laughing.
Running Out of Gas
Running out of gas is another vacation mishap that can be stressful and frustrating. This can happen if you don’t plan your route properly or if you forget to fill up your gas tank.
In the movie “National Lampoon’s Vacation,” the Griswold family goes on a cross-country road trip to visit an amusement park, but they encounter a series of mishaps along the way, including running out of gas.
This mishap leads to a series of hilarious and outrageous events that make for a great movie.
Inspirational and Scenic Vacation Films
If you’re looking for some inspiration for your next family vacation, look no further than these amazing films.
From beachside bliss to European escapades, these movies will transport you to some of the most beautiful and exciting destinations in the world.
Beachside Bliss
There’s nothing quite like a relaxing beach vacation, and these films will have you dreaming of sun, sand, and surf.
“On Golden Pond” is a classic family drama that takes place on a beautiful lake in Maine.
The stunning scenery and heartwarming story make this a must-see film for anyone looking for a peaceful getaway.
Another great option is “The Trip,” which follows two friends as they travel through the beautiful countryside of England.
European Escapades
Europe is full of incredible destinations, and these films will take you on a journey through some of the continent’s most beautiful cities.
“Under the Tuscan Sun” is a romantic comedy set in the stunning Italian countryside.
The film’s gorgeous scenery and charming story make it a perfect choice for anyone looking for a little romance on their next vacation.
Another great option is “The Grand Budapest Hotel,” which takes place in the stunning city of Budapest.
The film’s quirky characters and beautiful architecture will have you falling in love with this incredible city.
Wilderness Adventures
If you’re looking for a little adventure on your next family vacation, these films are sure to inspire you.
“Into the Wild” is a powerful drama that follows a young man as he sets out on a journey of self-discovery in the Alaskan wilderness.
The stunning landscapes and powerful story make this a must-see film for anyone looking for a little adventure.
Another great option is “The Darjeeling Limited,” which takes place in India. The film’s stunning scenery and quirky characters make it a perfect choice for anyone looking for a little adventure and inspiration.
Streaming Vacation Movies
When it comes to family vacation movies, streaming services have got you covered. Here are some of the best options available on Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video.
Netflix Family Hits
Netflix has a great selection of family vacation movies, including classics like “National Lampoon’s Vacation” and newer hits like “The Mitchells vs. The Machines.”
You can also find family-friendly comedies like “The Sleepover” and heartwarming dramas like “A Week Away.”
Disney+ Picks
Disney+ is the perfect streaming service for families, and it has a great selection of family vacation movies.
You can watch the beloved classic “The Parent Trap” or the more recent hit “Finding Nemo.”
If you’re in the mood for something more adventurous, check out “Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl.”
Amazon Prime Video Selections
Amazon Prime Video also has a great selection of family vacation movies.
You can watch the hilarious “RV” starring Robin Williams or the heartwarming “Little Miss Sunshine.”
If you’re in the mood for something more action-packed, check out “Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle.”
Actors Known for Vacation Roles
When it comes to movies about family vacations, there are certain actors who have become synonymous with the genre.
Here are some of the most notable actors known for their roles in vacation movies.
Comedy Legends
Robin Williams, Bill Murray, and Dan Aykroyd are just a few of the comedy legends who have starred in vacation movies.
Williams starred in the 1993 hit “Mrs. Doubtfire” where he takes his kids on a trip to San Francisco. Meanwhile, Murray starred in the 1980 classic “Caddyshack”, a movie about a family vacation at a golf resort. Lastly, Aykroyd starred in the 1985 comedy “Spies Like Us”, a movie about two bumbling spies who go on a mission to the Soviet Union.
Rising Stars
There are also some rising stars who have made a name for themselves in vacation movies.
One such star is Ed Helms, who starred in the 2015 movie “Vacation”, a sequel to the classic National Lampoon’s Vacation movies.
Another rising star is Adam Devine, who starred in the 2018 movie “When We First Met”, a romantic comedy about a man who goes back in time to try and win over the woman of his dreams.
Beloved Character Actors
Finally, there are some beloved character actors who have become fixtures in vacation movies.
For example, Richard Dreyfuss starred in the 1975 classic “Jaws”, a movie about a family vacation gone wrong.
Meanwhile, John Candy, who sadly passed away in 1994, starred in the 1988 movie “The Great Outdoors”, a movie about a family vacation in the wilderness.
Wrapping Up The Best Movies About Family Vacations
In conclusion, family vacation movies are a great way to relive memories of your own family trips, or to inspire you to take your own family vacation.
These movies are filled with laughter and heartwarming moments that are sure to make you feel good.
Whether you’re looking for family-friendly movies that everyone can enjoy, or travel movies that will give you a serious case of wanderlust, there is something for everyone on this list.
From the classic National Lampoon’s Vacation to the more recent The Lizzie McGuire Movie, these movies will transport you to different parts of the world and give you a taste of what it’s like to travel with your loved ones.
So, grab some popcorn, gather your family around, and get ready to be entertained.
These movies will not only make you laugh, but they will also remind you of the importance of spending quality time with your family.
In summary, family vacation movies are a must-watch for anyone who loves to travel, laugh, and create memories with their family.
So, pick a movie from this list, sit back, and enjoy the ride.
