The call of the open road is a powerful one. Whether you’re already living the nomad life or just dreaming of it, movies have a unique way of capturing the spirit of freedom, adventure, and self-discovery that defines this lifestyle.
Here is a curated list of 10 essential films about van life, RV journeys, and the nomadic spirit to inspire your next adventure.
1. Nomadland (2020)
- IMDb Rating: 7.3/10
- The Vibe: A raw and poignant look at a woman in her sixties who, after losing everything, embarks on a journey through the American West, living as a van-dwelling modern-day nomad. It’s a beautiful and realistic portrayal of the community and struggles of this lifestyle.
- Where to Watch: Hulu, Disney+ (availability varies by region).
- IMDb Profile: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9770150/
2. Into the Wild (2007)
- IMDb Rating: 8.1/10
- The Vibe: The true story of Christopher McCandless, a young man who gives up his privileged life to wander across North America and into the Alaskan wilderness. It’s a powerful and cautionary tale about the ultimate pursuit of freedom.
- Where to Watch: Netflix, Paramount+, rent on Apple TV or Prime Video.
- IMDb Profile: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0758758/
3. Little Miss Sunshine (2006)
- IMDb Rating: 7.8/10
- The Vibe: A dysfunctional family takes a cross-country road trip in their yellow VW bus to get their young daughter into a beauty pageant. A hilarious and heartwarming story about family, failure, and the unexpected adventures of life on the road.
- Where to Watch: Hulu, Disney+, rent on Apple TV or Prime Video.
- IMDb Profile: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0449059/
4. Captain Fantastic (2016)
- IMDb Rating: 7.8/10
- The Vibe: A father who has raised his six kids completely off-grid in the wilderness is forced to leave their paradise and re-enter society. They travel in a converted school bus, challenging modern ideas of life and family.
- Where to Watch: Rent on Apple TV or Prime Video.
- IMDb Profile: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3553976/
5. Chef (2014)
- IMDb Rating: 7.3/10
- The Vibe: A chef quits his job at a prestigious restaurant and starts a food truck with his son. It’s a feel-good movie about passion, entrepreneurship, and finding fulfillment on your own terms—the perfect inspiration for any nomad with a side hustle.
- Where to Watch: Netflix, rent on Apple TV or Prime Video.
- IMDb Profile: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2883512/
6. The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013)
- IMDb Rating: 7.3/10
- The Vibe: While not strictly a van life movie, this is the ultimate film about breaking free from a monotonous life. A man who daydreams of adventure finally takes the leap, traveling to Greenland, Iceland, and the Himalayas. It perfectly captures the moment you decide to go.
- Where to Watch: Disney+, rent on Apple TV or Prime Video.
- IMDb Profile: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0359950/
7. The Motorcycle Diaries (2004)
- IMDb Rating: 7.8/10
- The Vibe: Based on the journals of a young Che Guevara, this film follows his transformative motorcycle journey across South America. It’s a stunning story about how travel shapes your perspective on the world and your place in it.
- Where to Watch: Rent on Apple TV or Prime Video.
- IMDb Profile: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0318462/
8. About Schmidt (2002)
- IMDb Rating: 7.2/10
- The Vibe: A recently retired and widowed man decides to travel to his daughter’s wedding in a massive RV. It’s a slow-burn, funny, and deeply human film about finding new purpose when your old life disappears.
- Where to Watch: Rent on Apple TV or Prime Video.
- IMDb Profile: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0257360/
9. Easy Rider (1969)
- IMDb Rating: 7.2/10
- The Vibe: The original counter-culture road trip movie. Two bikers travel from Los Angeles to New Orleans, searching for the “real” America. It’s a landmark film that defined the idea of seeking freedom on the open road.
- Where to Watch: Rent on Apple TV or Prime Video.
- IMDb Profile: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0064276/
10. We’re the Millers (2013)
- IMDb Rating: 6.6/10
- The Vibe: For a purely fun take on the genre, this comedy follows a fake family in a huge RV on a “road trip” to Mexico. It’s a lighthearted adventure that shows even a chaotic RV trip can lead to unexpected connections.
- Where to Watch: Netflix, rent on Apple TV or Prime Video.
- IMDb Profile: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1723121/
