If the usual action tropes aren’t exciting you anymore, you might want to watch a few road films that aren’t as well-known as the big ones. These films include thrilling stories, memorable characters, and amazing images, all helping you experience a movie journey as powerful as the ones the heroes face. If you’re a fan of road movies; these 20 underrated ones should be on your list in 2025.

1. Queen & Slim (2019)

It is a story that travels across America, mixing love, rebellion, and poetic language.

2. American Honey (2016)

A remarkable independent movie about teens who sell magazines in the Midwest without holding back.

3. The Peanut Butter Falcon (2019)

A touching story of friendship centered around a man with Down syndrome going after his dream to be a wrestler.

4. Captain Fantastic (2016)

Unique take on a road movie, as a dad tries to raise his kids away from civilization and on the road following a family accident.

5. Leave No Trace (2018)

A story about a father and daughter making it through the wilds and finding it hard to adjust to the likes of modern life.

6. Y Tu Mamá También (2001)

It is a wonderful film about youth, attraction, and politics in Mexico.

7. Hunt for the Wilderpeople (2016)

It is a New Zealand movie about a teenager and his old male friend on the run from the police.

8. Tracks (2013)

The film depicts the true experience of a woman going 1,700 miles through the Australian desert on camelback by herself.

9. Into the Wild (2007)

The film's story focuses on self-exploration, resistance to authority, and being alone in Alaska.

10. The Fundamentals of Caring (2016)

A series from Netflix about a caregiver and someone with a physical disability who explore offbeat road trips.

11. Motorama (1991)

The story of a boy journeying alone all across America in a bizarre world shaped like a game.

12. Wendy and Lucy (2008)

Simply told but packed full of emotion, a woman’s search for a better life with her dog.

13. Land Ho! (2014)

Two men searching for change in their lives bond again on a sudden road trip across Iceland.

14. The Straight Story (1999)

The true story of an elderly man driving his lawnmower over hundreds of miles to see his brother and make amends.

15. Kodachrome (2017)

A father and son go on an emotional journey while using the last of Kodak films.

16. Easy Rider: The Ride Back (2012)

Although it’s less well known, this prequel enhances the legendary film from 1969.

17. The Way (2010)

A touchingly told journey about grief and finding oneself through walking the Camino in Spain.

18. Paris, Texas (1984)

A touching story about a person trying to heal his past and broken family.

19. Alabama Moon (2009)

The adventures of a smart boy in the wilderness following his father’s death.

20. A Perfect World (1993)

There is an important, unexplored Clint Eastwood film about a prisoner and boy taking a memorable journey.

Conclusion:

Road films like these don’t just show great views and fast cars; they touch on the heart, the mind, and life itself. Take some time in 2025 to rewatch these films that point out that the path we take is sometimes more memorable than where we end up.