10 Shows and Movies Like Route 66 (1960)

Description: Like 'Route 66', 'Easy Rider' is a quintessential road movie that explores themes of freedom, rebellion, and the American landscape. Both films capture the spirit of the open road and the search for meaning in a changing society. The countercultural themes and the visual journey through iconic American locations make them kindred spirits.

Fact: 'Easy Rider' was made on a shoestring budget of around $400,000 but grossed over $60 million worldwide. The film's soundtrack features classic rock songs from artists like Steppenwolf and The Byrds, which became synonymous with the era. Jack Nicholson's performance in the film earned him his first Academy Award nomination.

Description: Steven Spielberg's TV movie shares with 'Route 66' the tension and drama of the open road. Both films use the highway as a setting for psychological and physical conflict, though 'Duel' is more of a thriller. The focus on a lone driver facing external threats is a narrative link between the two.

Fact: Spielberg directed the film when he was just 24 years old. The truck's driver is never fully seen, adding to the suspense. The movie was so successful that it was released theatrically in Europe.

Description: This crime thriller, like 'Route 66', involves a journey across the American Southwest, with the road serving as both escape and battleground. Both films explore themes of freedom and survival, though 'The Getaway' is more violent and noir-inspired. The dynamic between the two lead characters is a focal point in both stories.

Fact: The film stars Steve McQueen and Ali MacGraw, who began a real-life romance during filming. It was directed by Sam Peckinpah, known for his gritty, violent style. The movie was based on a novel by Jim Thompson.

Description: Steven Spielberg's early film shares with 'Route 66' a focus on a cross-country journey filled with both hope and desperation. Both stories involve characters on the run, seeking redemption or a better life. The film's blend of drama, action, and Americana echoes the tone of 'Route 66'.

Fact: This was Spielberg's first theatrical feature film. Goldie Hawn was pregnant during filming, which was written into the script. The film was based on a true story about a couple who kidnapped a police officer to retrieve their child from foster care.

Description: This comedy about an illegal cross-country race shares 'Route 66''s celebration of the American road trip. Both films feature diverse characters bonding over shared adventures on the highway, though 'The Gumball Rally' is more lighthearted and comedic. The film's focus on car culture and scenic routes aligns with the spirit of 'Route 66'.

Fact: The film was inspired by the real-life Gumball 3000 rally. It features a young Raul Julia in one of his early Hollywood roles. The movie's tagline was 'The world's wildest road race!'

Description: This TV series shares the adventurous, road-trip spirit of 'Route 66', with its focus on car chases, Southern settings, and a sense of freedom. Both celebrate the American South and the joy of driving, albeit in very different tones—'Route 66' is more dramatic, while 'The Dukes of Hazzard' is comedic and action-packed.

Fact: The iconic car, the General Lee, was a 1969 Dodge Charger. Over 300 cars were wrecked during the show's production. The show was initially canceled after one season but was revived due to strong summer rerun ratings.

Description: Though 'Mad Max' is set in a dystopian future, it shares with 'Route 66' a focus on the road as a place of both danger and liberation. Both films feature protagonists who are deeply connected to their vehicles and use them to navigate a world in turmoil. The car chases and desert landscapes are visual parallels.

Fact: The film was made on a budget of just $350,000 but grossed over $100 million worldwide. Mel Gibson was virtually unknown when cast as Max. The movie's success spawned a franchise that includes 'Mad Max: Fury Road', which won six Academy Awards.

Description: While 'Knight Rider' is more futuristic and action-oriented, it shares with 'Route 66' the theme of a lone traveler (and his car) journeying across America, righting wrongs. Both shows use the road as a metaphor for freedom and adventure, though 'Knight Rider' adds a high-tech twist with KITT.

Fact: The voice of KITT was provided by William Daniels, who also played Mr. Feeny in 'Boy Meets World'. The show was created by Glen A. Larson, who also created 'Battlestar Galactica'. The car's dashboard was so complex that it often malfunctioned during filming.

Description: This film mirrors 'Route 66' in its exploration of freedom and self-discovery on the open road, but with a feminist twist. Both stories involve protagonists breaking free from societal constraints, though 'Thelma & Louise' takes a darker, more dramatic turn. The cinematography of the American Southwest is a visual link between the two.

Fact: The film's ending was so controversial that test audiences demanded an alternative. Geena Davis and Susan Sarandon did many of their own driving stunts. The movie was inducted into the National Film Registry in 2016 for being 'culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant'.

Description: Quentin Tarantino's homage to car chase films shares with 'Route 66' a love for the open road and vehicular action. Both celebrate car culture and the thrill of the drive, though 'Death Proof' leans heavily into grindhouse aesthetics and horror elements. The dialogue-heavy scenes and strong character dynamics are also reminiscent of 'Route 66'.

Fact: The film was originally part of a double feature called 'Grindhouse', paired with Robert Rodriguez's 'Planet Terror'. Kurt Russell performed many of his own driving stunts. The car chase scenes were filmed using practical effects, with minimal CGI.