The road movie is one of the most captivating genres in American cinema, combining road trips’ stunning landscapes with powerful stories of personal transformation. But this iconic imagery wouldn’t exist without the extensive network of highways that span the United States, thanks in part to the work of major construction firms.
Among them is Lane Construction, now part of the Webuild Group, which played a key role in building some of the country’s most famous roads, including the New York Thruway, the Connecticut Turnpike, and the Massachusetts Turnpike.
These roads have done more than just link places—they’ve helped bring to life the unforgettable journeys that have come to define American cinema.
Easy Rider (1969): The Icon of Road Movies, between the Death Valley and the Route 66
One of the defining titles of the road movie genre, Easy Rider is a motorcycle journey from Los Angeles to New Orleans, passing through iconic locations such as Monument Valley, Death Valley, and Route 66 (one of the most famous highways in the U.S.).
Filmed across Arizona, California, and New Mexico, it captures the counterculture of the 1960s and the tension between freedom and conformity. The film is also a journey through American society, featuring memorable characters and a legendary soundtrack that has become part of cinematic history.
Thelma and Louise (1991): A Road Trip of Female Empowerment
Directed by Ridley Scott, this road movie follows two women fleeing Arkansas on a journey through the American Southwest, with stops in Utah and California.
It’s a powerful story of rebellion and women empowerment. Their journey ends symbolically at the Grand Canyon, underscoring the idea that, after a deep personal transformation, there’s no going back. The lead actors of Thelma and Louise, Geena Davis and Susan Sarandon, deliver unforgettable performances as two women whose bond and yearning for freedom drive the heart of the film.
Little Miss Sunshine (2006): A Road Movie about Family Relationships
A dramedy that follows the Hoover family’s journey from New Mexico to California in an old Volkswagen van, Little Miss Sunshine was filmed across Arizona and California.
The film delves into family dynamics and the importance of mutual support along a road trip filled with challenges and moments of growth. What begins as a trip to a beauty pageant becomes a poignant metaphor for life’s struggles—and a reminder of how vital it is to stick together.
On the Road (2012): An Adaptation that Challenges Social Conventions
Based on Jack Kerouac’s famous novel, Walter Salles’ film is a portrait of the restless youth of the 1950s.
Sal Paradise’s american road trip takes him through cities like New Orleans, Denver, San Francisco, and Montreal, accompanied by self-discovery and a rejection of social conventions. The film captures the spirit of the Beat Generation, blending jazz music, experimentation, and encounters that spark profound inner change.
Nomadland (2020): Oscar-Winning Road Trips
Winner of the Oscar for Best Picture, this film follows Fern, a woman living as a nomad as she travels across Nevada, Arizona, and South Dakota.
Filmed on location among real nomadic communities, it beautifully explores themes of freedom and resilience in a side of contemporary America that often goes unnoticed. Her journey becomes a poignant reflection on solitude, adaptability, and inner strength.
