Our Favorite Campervan Movies
Ready for some road trip inspiration? We’ve rounded up what we think are the top 5 campervan movies that capture the spirit of adventure and the freedom of the open road. From heartwarming tales to thrilling journeys, these films are the perfect fuel for your wanderlust. Whether you're planning your next campervan trip or just dreaming of one, these movies will get you in the mood to hit the road!
Nomadland (2020)
Directed by Chloé Zhao, this film takes viewers on a journey with Fern (played by Frances McDormand), a woman in her sixties who, after losing her job and home in the Great Recession, adopts a nomadic lifestyle. With her van as her home, Fern travels across the American West forming connections with other “van dwellers.” The film, based on Jessica Bruder’s book Nomadland: Surviving America in the Twenty-First Century, explores themes of independence, resilience, and the pursuit of freedom.
Living in her campervan, Fern gains a unique sense of self-reliance and freedom, both physically and emotionally. Her journey represents a way of shedding material possessions and societal expectations, seeking instead a simpler, more authentic existence. While many people may view living in a van as a sacrifice or a fallback, Fern's life on the road gives her a sense of empowerment. Her van becomes not just a place of survival, but a vessel for her emotional healing and growth.
We loved that Nomadland offers a powerful reflection on the potential of van life. The film showcases how traveling in a campervan allows for complete autonomy over one's environment and schedule.
Little Miss Sunshine (2006)
In the film Little Miss Sunshine, you will follow the dysfunctional Hoover family on a cross-country road trip to get their daughter (played by Abigail Breslin), Olive, to a beauty pageant. The journey is far from smooth, as the six family members' quirks and problems clash throughout the trip. However, their time spent in the old, yellow campervan teaches them invaluable lessons about resilience, family, and the unpredictable nature of life.
The campervan itself is more than just a vehicle; it becomes a symbol of the journey, both literal and emotional, that the Hoovers undergo. Despite the chaos and setbacks, the family emerges closer, realizing that success isn’t about winning the beauty pageant but about supporting one another through life’s challenges.
Their journey is a perfect metaphor for the freedom and adventure that come with van life. Much like the Hoovers, those who embark on van life experience a journey filled with unpredictability, self-discovery, and the joy of living in the moment.
We loved Little Miss Sunshine because it resonates with the heart of van life: it's not about the destination, but the people you meet along the way and the memories you create together.
Into the Wild (2007)
Into the Wild, directed by Sean Penn and based on the true story of Christopher McCandless, tells the story of a young man who abandons his conventional life to travel across America in search of deeper meaning and freedom. After graduating from Emory University, Christopher (known as “Alex Supertramp”) rejects societal norms, gives away his savings, and sets off on a journey into the wild. He ultimately travels by hitchhiking, trains, and van life, heading toward Alaska in hopes of finding spiritual fulfillment.
Christopher's journey, marked by independence and self-discovery, is a powerful example of the allure of van life and the freedom that comes with it. While his path is not without hardship, his time spent traveling in a van and living off the grid symbolizes a desire to escape from materialism. He yearns for a life stripped of distractions, where he can connect with the natural world.
For those drawn to the idea of van life, Into the Wild embodies the pure sense of adventure and self-sufficiency that many seek when they choose to travel in a campervan. The van represents freedom, but also vulnerability—a reminder that the open road is both an escape and a journey of self-discovery.
We loved Into the Wild because it invites viewers to ask themselves: What do we gain from disconnecting from the hustle and bustle of modern life, and what lessons are waiting for us?
Expedition Happiness (2017)
Expedition Happiness, is a documentary directed by Felix Starck and his girlfriend Selima Taibi, that follows the couple’s epic road trip across North America in a converted school bus (camperbus? Let’s go with campervan). Seeking a change from their everyday lives, Felix and Selima decide to leave behind their traditional jobs and urban life to embark on a journey of adventure, discovery, and personal growth. With their dog Rudi in tow, they travel across diverse landscapes, from the rugged beauty of the Canadian Rockies to the deserts of the American Southwest, all while exploring the highs and lows of life on the road.
What makes Expedition Happiness so inspiring for van life enthusiasts is the couple’s approach to living simply and embracing the unknown. The film highlights the challenges they face—everything from navigating new cities and adjusting to the nomadic lifestyle. Much like other van life stories, their experience is less about the destination and more about the journey itself. They learn to navigate the world with fewer possessions, letting go of societal expectations, and ultimately find a deeper connection to nature, themselves, and each other.
Expedition Happiness provides a daily look into the joy of waking up in new places, meeting like-minded people, and finding peace in simplicity is an adventure that van life offers. In the end, it shows that the world is yours to explore, and the greatest reward often comes from embracing the freedom to wander.
We loved Expedition Happiness because it offers an invitation to embrace the open road, live without limitations, and rediscover what makes you happy.
Free Solo (2018)
Free Solo, directed by Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin, is a breathtaking documentary that follows rock climber Alex Honnold as he attempts to scale El Capitan in Yosemite National Park without ropes or safety gear. The film captures Honnold's physical and mental preparation, highlighting his drive, discipline, and unwavering determination to achieve what many deemed impossible. Beyond the raw, heart-pounding footage of his climb, Free Solo delves into his fear, self-reliance, and the desire for freedom—ideas that also resonate with the van life community.
The connection between free climbing and van life lies in the sense of liberation and adventure that both lifestyles offer. For Alex, the van is more than just a place to sleep; it’s a symbol of independence, a home on wheels that enables him to explore new challenges and live in the moment. It’s about pushing boundaries, both physically and emotionally, and finding freedom in the journey itself.
We loved Free Solo because whether you’re chasing adrenaline like Alex or simply seeking the thrill of the unknown, it reminds us that van life, like free solo climbing, is a journey of self-discovery, testing your limits, and experiencing the world in a way that’s uniquely personal.
Your Adventure
It is nearly impossible to walk away from these films without a sense of urgency to explore the van life. For anyone considering their next adventure, let us help you step into this world of spontaneous travel. Dip your toes in the water. Whether it’s a weekend getaway or a month-long road trip, renting a Wandervan provides all the flexibility and excitement of van life without the commitment of owning one. You can explore hidden gems, wake up to breathtaking views, and experience the joy of traveling with your loved ones or even solo. We offer a chance to explore new places, the space to reflect on personal growth, and opportunities to connect with others, all while embracing the beauty of nature and the simplicity of living on the road.