10 Movies & Shows Similar to Carpool (1983)

Description: A musical road trip comedy that, like 'Carpool', features a chaotic journey with a series of escalating mishaps. Both films blend humor with a sense of adventure, and the protagonists' mission-driven travel creates a similar narrative structure.

Fact: The film holds the record for the most cars destroyed in a movie. John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd performed all their own stunts. The mall chase scene was shot in a real abandoned shopping center.

Description: Like 'Carpool', this film is a quintessential road trip comedy filled with absurd situations and family dysfunction. Both movies capture the chaos of travel, the clash of personalities, and the humor in everyday mishaps. The Griswolds' cross-country journey parallels the shared ride in 'Carpool', with both films highlighting the unpredictability of the road.

Fact: The iconic Wally World scene was inspired by a real-life Disneyland closure. Chevy Chase ad-libbed many of his lines. The original script was much darker, including a scene where the family dog dies.

Description: This film shares 'Carpool's' focus on a comedic journey with two mismatched protagonists. The absurdity of their adventures and the contrast between their personalities drive the humor, much like in 'Carpool'. Both films celebrate the joy of the journey over the destination.

Fact: Jim Carrey's salary skyrocketed after this film's success. The iconic tuxedo scene was inspired by a real-life prom mishap. The original script was much darker, with Lloyd and Harry dying at the end.

Description: This film shares 'Carpool's' blend of slapstick humor and heartfelt moments. The road trip element, with Chris Farley and David Spade as an odd couple, mirrors the dynamic in 'Carpool'. Both films use travel as a backdrop for personal growth and comedic escapades, with a mix of physical comedy and witty dialogue.

Fact: Chris Farley's 'fat guy in a little coat' scene was improvised. The film was initially panned by critics but later became a cult classic. David Spade and Chris Farley's chemistry was so strong they starred in multiple films together.

Description: A raunchy road trip comedy that, like 'Carpool', thrives on the absurdity of travel mishaps and the bonding between characters. Both films feature a group of friends (or strangers) navigating unexpected challenges, with humor derived from their reactions to increasingly ridiculous situations.

Fact: The film was Tom Green's first major movie role. The snake scene was inspired by a real-life event from director Todd Phillips' college days. The budget was only $16 million, but it grossed over $120 million worldwide.

Description: An ensemble comedy about a madcap race to a destination, similar to 'Carpool's' focus on a shared journey. Both films thrive on the chaos of travel and the absurdity of human behavior, with multiple storylines converging in unexpected ways.

Fact: The film is a modern remake of the 1963 classic 'It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World'. The cow scene was inspired by a real-life news story. John Cleese improvised many of his lines.

Description: A teen road trip comedy that shares 'Carpool's' focus on travel mishaps and cultural clashes. Both films use the journey as a backdrop for humor and personal growth, with a mix of slapstick and situational comedy.

Fact: The film was shot in Prague, standing in for various European cities. The 'Scotty Doesn't Know' song became a cult hit. Matt Damon makes an uncredited cameo as the lead singer of Lustra.

Description: A stoner road trip comedy that, like 'Carpool', follows two friends on a quest filled with bizarre encounters. Both films use the journey as a metaphor for self-discovery, with humor derived from the protagonists' reactions to their surreal surroundings.

Fact: The film was inspired by the writers' real-life late-night cravings. Neil Patrick Harris plays a fictionalized, exaggerated version of himself. The script was written in just three weeks.

Description: A heartfelt road trip film that, like 'Carpool', balances comedy with deeper emotional themes. Both movies explore family dynamics and personal growth through travel, with a mix of humor and poignant moments. The ensemble cast and their interactions mirror the group dynamic in 'Carpool'.

Fact: The film was shot in just 30 days. The VW bus had to be pushed in real life because it wouldn't start. Steve Carell was the last actor cast, just two weeks before filming began.

Description: Similar to 'Carpool' (1983), 'Due Date' is a road trip comedy that pairs two mismatched characters on an unpredictable journey. Both films explore themes of unlikely friendships, chaotic travel, and comedic misadventures. The dynamic between the leads—one uptight and the other carefree—mirrors the tension and eventual camaraderie found in 'Carpool'.

Fact: Robert Downey Jr. and Zach Galifianakis improvised many of their scenes. The film was inspired by the classic 'Planes, Trains & Automobiles'. The dog in the movie is actually Zach Galifianakis' real-life pet.