Embark on a terrifying journey with our curated list of 10 horror films that revolve around the theme of road trips. These films not only provide a thrilling escape from the everyday but also explore the psychological and physical perils that can befall travelers on the open road. From ghostly hitchhikers to sinister detours, these movies will keep you on the edge of your seat, making you think twice about your next road trip adventure.

The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974)
Description: Although not strictly a road trip film, the initial journey of the group sets the stage for the horror to come.
Fact: The film was shot in just 31 days with a budget of $140,


The Hills Have Eyes (1977)
Description: A family's road trip through the desert turns into a nightmare when they are attacked by a clan of cannibalistic mutants.
Fact: Wes Craven wrote and directed this film, which was inspired by the legend of Sawney Bean, a Scottish cannibal.


The Hitcher (1986)
Description: This film captures the essence of road horror with a mysterious hitchhiker who terrorizes a young couple on a cross-country trip.
Fact: The film was remade in 2007 with Sean Bean in the lead role. The original script was inspired by real-life hitchhiking experiences of the writer.


Jeepers Creepers (2001)
Description: A brother and sister encounter a terrifying creature on a desolate highway, turning their road trip into a fight for survival.
Fact: The Creeper's truck in the film is a 1941 Chevrolet COE. The film's title comes from a 1938 song by Louis Armstrong.


The Autopsy of Jane Doe (2016)
Description: While not a road trip, the journey into the morgue and the discovery of the body's secrets make it a chilling experience.
Fact: The film was shot in a real morgue to add to the authenticity. The script was on the Black List of best unproduced screenplays in


The Vanishing (1988)
Description: A Dutch film where a man's search for his missing girlfriend during a road trip leads to psychological horror.
Fact: The film was remade in 1993 with Kiefer Sutherland. The original Dutch version is often considered superior.


Dead End (2003)
Description: A family's Christmas Eve road trip takes a dark turn when they encounter a mysterious woman on a deserted road.
Fact: The film was shot in 18 days. It features a twist ending that has become a topic of discussion among horror fans.


Wolf Creek (2005)
Description: Three backpackers find themselves in a terrifying situation after their car breaks down in the Australian outback.
Fact: The film is loosely based on real-life events, including the murders of backpackers in Australia. It was banned in New Zealand for its graphic content.


The Road (2009)
Description: While not strictly a horror film, the post-apocalyptic setting and the constant threat of danger make this a harrowing road trip experience.
Fact: The film is based on Cormac McCarthy's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel. Viggo Mortensen lost significant weight for his role.


The Devil's Pass (2013)
Description: A group of students investigates the Dyatlov Pass incident, leading to their own horrifying road trip.
Fact: The film uses real footage from the Dyatlov Pass incident. It was shot in Russia to add authenticity.
