Writes ‘Opus the Penguin’ on Reddit. I gave it a quick search. But for this long haul, an 18-hour road trip, they will need a massive playlist.
“I think I’ll start the journey with ‘The Way’ by Fastball,” Opus writes on Reddit. If you ask me, that’s a fantastic choice. Fastball is perfect for road trips.
Perfect road trip playlist
And that’s exactly it. Saying “if you ask me” just shows how personal music taste is. There are as many preferences as there are songs on Spotify. So, making the perfect road trip playlist is pretty much a shot in the dark. But, we already knew that, didn’t we?
We still want to try our best and create a playlist that keeps you guessing. One where you’re always excited to hear what comes next. And we’re not just throwing in songs about traveling or destinations, because that’s not what makes a road trip song great.
But hold up, don’t start the car just yet! Before you read on, check out the playlist we put together. You can give it a quick listen while you read. But save the rest for the road!
Want to find out how we made this playlist? Keep reading.
Youtube version
You can also check out the YouTube version, featuring some awesome live performances. Travel music at its best!
So, how do we put together a killer road trip playlist? Songs about being on the road or heading to a destination just don’t cut it for us. Sure, we can debate about what music is best, but what’s key here? A playlist needs to keep you awake, alert, and sharp. Because, let’s face it, as exciting as hitting the open road sounds, it can drag. Staying awake is crucial!
I took a quick look at Opus the Penguin’s route. Driving from Kansas City to Baton Rouge is a real grind, a straight, 12-hour trek. So, a good playlist isn’t just nice to have, it’s essential! Practically a matter of life and death! Let’s get to it.
A playlist should not be fun but keep us safe! 😉 At least it should keep you awake and alert.
Research shows that medium-paced music is best for beating tiredness and helping you stay focused on the road. While slow and fast songs can give you a quick boost, they don’t work as well over the long haul; they tend to make you tired faster as the hours tick by.
Rick 101 commented on Opus’ post, saying, “If you’re on a long trip, throw in some chill music now and then. A playlist full of bangers can get tiring fast.”
Road trip music should make you feel free
But let’s face it, research can be a snooze, right? Road trip music should make you feel free and full of possibilities. It should get you dreaming about far-off, mysterious places. It should make you feel a bit rebellious. Kind of like Thelma and Louise in their movie with the same title or Billy and Wyatt from Easy Rider. You know, invincible and ready to take on the world.
We’re chasing that vibe you get from classic road trip movies, or any films about epic adventures that stir up that same excitement. What about the music from those movies? Why not make a playlist out of those tunes? You bet we can.
We searched for movies that make us want to hit the road! Films that inspire us to explore far-off places and jump into a car or onto a motorbike. Movies that make you think, “I’ve got to go there” or “That’s what I want to do!”
We’ve found 17 movies that really get us in the mood for an adventure and they’ve all got great soundtracks too! Take a look at all the movies and travel songs we’ve listed below.
It might be a bit of an unusual list, with a quirky mix of music, but it really captures that feeling of freedom and possibility. No AI or algorithm could have dreamed up this playlist. It’s all us, and we absolutely love it!
Wild (2014)
IMBD 7,1
Who doesn’t like Reese Witherspoon? She plays Cheryl Strayed, who, after some tough times, decides to hike 1,600 km of the Pacific Crest Trail to find herself and heal.
The music is spot on, too. The soundtrack matches her emotional journey just right. Take ‘Walk Unafraid’ by First Aid Kit, it’s a folky cover of R.E.M.’s song that really reflects Cheryl’s grit and bravery during her trek.
First Aid Kit – Walk Unafraid
Billy Swan – Don’t Be Cruel
Free – Be My Friend
The Hollies – The Air That I Breath
Simon & Garfunkel – Homeward Bound
Grateful Dead – Ripple
The Way (2010)
IMBD 7,3
Here’s another movie about an amazing journey of self-discovery and new friendships. “The Way” stars Martin Sheen as Tom, an American doctor who carries his late son’s ashes on the Camino de Santiago. You’ve got to watch the movie to see why he decides to do that.
David Gray – My Oh My
James Taylor – Country Road
Nick Drake – Pink Moon
Into The Wild (2007)
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Maybe this one should be first on the list. Directed by Sean Penn with music by the legendary Eddie Vedder, “Into The Wild” is the true story of Christopher McCandless, a young man who ditches his middle-class life to roam across America and ultimately into the wilds of Alaska. Vedder’s raw, emotional tunes match McCandless’ deep spiritual quest perfectly.
Eddie Vedder – No Ceiling
Eddie Vedder – Rise
Eddie Vedder – Society
Eddie Vedder – Guaranteed
Eat, Pray, Love (2010)
IMBD 5,8
Maybe it’s not a cinematic marvel, but it’s a delightful movie about finding yourself in gorgeous places when you’re itching to escape a lackluster life. The settings? Italy, India, and Bali, where else? Plus, it’s got some tunes that are more than good enough for our playlist and add just the right spice.
Josh Rouse – Flight Attentdant
Bebel Gilberto – Samba da Bencao
Eddie Vedder – Better Days
The Beach (2000)
IMBD 6,6
A classic from director Danny Boyle. He uses Moby’s iconic song ‘Porcelain’ to boost the surreal, dreamy vibe of the secret island that Richard (played by Leonardo DiCaprio) stumbles upon. It’s tucked away deep in Thailand, complete with a tight-knit community full of secrets. The songs from this soundtrack will definitely add a cool twist to our road trip playlist.
Brian Eno – Spinning Away
Moby – Porcelain
Blur – On Your Own
The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013)
IMBD 7,3
You either love him or you don’t, Ben Stiller. He’s the star and director of “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty,” playing a pretty bland, low-key photo editor. Walter escapes his dull life by daydreaming of far-off adventures. The soundtrack nails it, with perfect tunes like “Stay Alive” and “Dream” by José Gonzales.
Of Monsters and Men – Dirty Paws
José González – Stay Alive
José González – #9 Dream
The Darjeeling Limited (2007)
IMBD 7,2
This funny movie is about three brothers who haven’t been close in years. They hop on a train and travel across India, hoping to fix their strained relationships and find some spiritual peace after their dad passes away. Wes Anderson is the mastermind behind it, creating fantastic worlds in his films, and the music always fits just right.
The Kinks – This Time Tomorrow
The Rolling Stones – Play With Fire
Joe Dassin – Les Champs-Élysées
Lost in Translation (2003)
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The soundtrack of “Lost in Translation” is a big part of what makes the movie so special. The music really helps you get into the mesmerizing vibe of Tokyo, where the movie is set. It’s about two Americans in Tokyo who strike up an unexpected friendship while dealing with their own life crises.
Phoenix – Too Young
Sébastien Tellier – Fantino
Squarepusher – Tommib
Hunt for the Wilder people (2016)
IMBD 7,8
This hilarious movie takes place in the stunning wilds of New Zealand. After a sad twist of events and the fear of being sent back to juvenile detention, Ricky bolts into the wilderness with his cranky foster uncle, Hec. As you’d expect, their wild adventures bring them closer together. And the music by the lesser-known band Moniker? It’s the perfect finishing touch to the vibe of the film.
Moniker – Ocean Blue
Moniker – Milestone 2
Call me by your name (2017)
IMBD 7,8
This is a gorgeous romantic movie about the relationship between 17-year-old Elio and 24-year-old Oliver, an American student who spent the summer of 1983 with Elio’s family in Italy. After you watch this film, the music will always take you back to a beautiful Italian summer.
The Psychedelic Furs – Love My Way
Giorgio Moroder – Lady Lady Lady
Sufjan Stevens – Futile Devices
Nomadland (2020)
IMBD 7,3
Fern, a widow from Nevada, hits the road after losing her job and watching her town’s economy crumble. She decides to explore the heart of America as a modern nomad in her self-converted bus. It’s a stunning road movie and, of course, it features a classic Willie Nelson song on the soundtrack. How perfect is that?
Willie Nelson – On The Road Again
Captain Fantastic (2016)
IMBD 7,8
Deep in the forests of the Pacific Northwest, Ben Cash and his six kids live far from society, creating their own little paradise. But when a family tragedy strikes, they have to step out into the real world. Are they ready? The song ‘I Shall Be Released’ by Kirk Ross (originally by Bob Dylan) captures their story perfectly.
Kirk Ross – I Shall Be Released
Israel Nash – Rain Plans
One Week (2008)
IMBD 7,0
This one’s a true road trip story. Ben, a young teacher, finds out he has terminal cancer and decides to hit the road on his motorbike, traveling across Canada from Toronto to Tofino, British Columbia. He’s on a quest to find meaning and beauty in the world, soaking in the stunning Canadian landscapes. Patrick Watson’s song ‘The Great Escape’ is a perfect match for this film. Its dreamy, melancholic melody really captures the heart of Ben’s moving journey.
Patrick Watson – The Great Escape
Kodachrome (2017)
IMBD 6,8
Een roadtrip met echt roadtrip nummers. Wat dacht je van Live en Pearl Jam? Een terminaal zieke vader (Ben, een beroemd fotograaf) en zijn zoon maken, samen met Ben’s verpleegster, een roatrip naar het laatste Kodachrome-fotolab in Kansas, voordat het sluit. Ze hebben een complexe relatie, maar komen toch dichter bij elkaar.
Pearl Jam – Just Breath
Galaxy 500 – Melt Away
Angelica Tavella, Sean Galloway – Film Stills
Live – Lightning Crashes
Point Break (1991)
IMBD 7,3
Ok, een vreemde eend in de bijt. Point Break is natuurlijk meer een film over overvallers en wild avontuur dan over reizen. Toch gaat de film over ontsnappen aan het routinematige en het opzoeken van avontuur. Daarnaast inspireren de surfcultuur en de mooie stranden van Californie natuurlijk ook om de koffers te pakken.
Concrete Blonde – I Want You
Love – Seven and Seven Is
Westworld – So Long Cowboy
Thelma & Louise (1991)
IMBD 7,6
Is een roadtrip niet gewoon altijd een uit de hand gelopen weekendje weg? Zo ontstaat het gevoel van vrijheid en rebellie. De essentie van een roadtrip en van de film Thelma & Louise. En dus ook de soundtrack. Ok, de roadtrip van vriendinnen Thelma & Louse loopt wel flink uit de hand.
Glenn Frey – Part Of Me., Part Of You
Toni Childs – House Of Hope
Kelly Willis – Little Honeyu
Marianne Faithfull – The Ballad Of Lucy Jordan
Martha Reeves – Wild Night
Little Miss Sunshine (2006)
IMBD 7,8
Een roadtrip van New Mexico naar Californië met Steve Carell. Dat wordt in ieder geval grappig. Een disfunctionele familie brengt hun de jongste dochter (Olive) naar een schoonheidswedstrijd. Scherpe humor maar ook emotionele momenten. Een gemiddelde roadtrip dus. De muziek neemt je hierbij heerlijk mee.
Sufjan Stevens – Chicago
DeVotchKa – First Push
Easy Rider (1969)
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De soundtrack van Easy Rider is bijzonder omdat het een van de eerste films was die gebruik maakte van bestaande pop / rock muziek. Met natuurlijk Born To Be Wild als ode aan de tegencultuur van de jaren 60. Twee bikers, Wyatt en Billy, reizen van Los Angeles naar New Orleans voor Mardi Gras.
The Band – The Weight
Steppenwolf – Born To Be Wild