There's a unique magic to the road trip. It's a quintessential summer adventure, a symbol of freedom, discovery, and the promise of the open road. It’s about more than just getting from one place to another; it's about the journey itself—the questionable roadside diners, the curated playlists, the unexpected detours, and the bonds that are forged and tested between mile markers. The road trip is a powerful narrative device, a catalyst for change that forces characters out of their comfort zones and into the vast, unpredictable world. While movies have long celebrated this beloved trope, the television series format offers an even deeper, more immersive way to experience the highs and lows of a life-changing journey.

Netflix has a fantastic collection of shows that capture the spirit of the summer road trip, whether it's a literal cross-country trek or a metaphorical journey of self-discovery sparked by a significant move. These series offer the ultimate escape, allowing you to vicariously experience the thrill of adventure from the comfort of your couch. From dark comedies about runaway teens to epic fantasies about finding a new home, these shows use the road trip to explore profound themes of identity, friendship, and what it truly means to belong. So, buckle up and get ready to hit the road with our list of 8 Netflix shows featuring unforgettable summer road trips. For those looking for even more escapist content, you'll find plenty of options among these 12 binge-worthy series for summer downtime.

1. The End of the Fing World*

Dark, funny, and surprisingly poignant, The End of the F*ing World is a British series that turns the teen road trip trope on its head. The show follows two seventeen-year-old outsiders: James, a self-diagnosed psychopath who decides he wants to try killing a person, and Alyssa, a rebellious and foul-mouthed girl who is desperate to escape her dysfunctional family life. Alyssa persuades James to steal his dad's car and run away with her in search of her estranged father, and James agrees, seeing her as the perfect potential victim. What begins as a sinister plan quickly evolves into a chaotic and oddly touching road trip across the English countryside.

The beauty of this show lies in its brilliant subversion of expectations. The short, punchy episodes, narrated from the dual perspectives of James and Alyssa, create a unique and intimate viewing experience. As they navigate a series of bizarre and often dangerous situations, from dining and dashing to dealing with genuinely creepy adults, their fragile exteriors begin to crack. Beneath James's detached nihilism and Alyssa's abrasive anger are two deeply lonely and vulnerable kids searching for connection. Their journey is less about the destination and more about the strange, codependent bond that forms between them. It’s a raw, honest, and unforgettable story about how two broken people can, against all odds, start to heal each other. This is a show that redefined its genre, much like some of the groundbreaking series on this list of top 10 Netflix originals that redefined their genres.

2. Sweet Tooth

Set in a breathtaking post-apocalyptic world, Sweet Tooth is an epic fantasy adventure that is, at its heart, a road trip story. Based on the DC comic book by Jeff Lemire, the series takes place a decade after "The Great Crumble," a viral pandemic that coincided with the mysterious emergence of hybrid babies—part human, part animal. Unsure if the hybrids are the cause or a result of the virus, many remaining humans fear and hunt them. The story follows Gus (Christian Convery), a sheltered and naive half-deer boy, who has lived his entire life in a secluded forest home. After his father's death, Gus embarks on a perilous journey to find his mother in Colorado.

He is reluctantly accompanied by a gruff loner named Tommy Jepperd (Nonso Anozie), a former "Last Man" hunter who has a change of heart. Their trek across the stunning landscapes of a reclaimed America is fraught with danger and wonder. Along the way, they form an unlikely family with other characters who are also searching for a safe haven. Sweet Tooth is a story of hope, friendship, and the meaning of family in a broken world. The road trip is not just a physical journey but a journey of emotional growth for both Gus and Jepperd. It’s a visually stunning and emotionally resonant series that offers a surprisingly optimistic take on the end of the world. For fans of comics brought to life, this series is a must-see, much like these other [suspicious link removed].

3. Down to Earth with Zac Efron

For a non-fiction take on the road trip, Down to Earth with Zac Efron is a fascinating and enlightening docu-series that follows the actor and his friend, wellness expert Darin Olien, as they travel the world in search of healthy and sustainable ways to live. Each episode takes them to a new location, from the pristine landscapes of Iceland to the lush rainforests of Costa Rica, exploring different cultures and innovative solutions to environmental challenges. While not a traditional road trip in a car, the series embodies the spirit of a journey with a purpose.

Efron's genuine curiosity and boyish enthusiasm make him a perfect guide for the viewer. He and Olien explore everything from renewable energy and cryopreservation to the secrets of "blue zones" where people live exceptionally long and healthy lives. The show is beautifully shot, showcasing the stunning beauty of the natural world and the ingenuity of the people working to protect it. It’s an inspiring and educational series that is also incredibly entertaining. It will leave you with a renewed sense of wonder about our planet and a desire to make more conscious choices in your own life. It’s the kind of show that can get people talking, much like some of these 10 Netflix shows and movies that sparked global conversations in 2025. As you look forward to more great content, you can see what's planned for July 2025.

4. Special

Based on the memoir by Ryan O'Connell, who also writes and stars in the series, Special is a groundbreaking and heartwarming comedy about a gay man with mild cerebral palsy who decides to rewrite his identity and finally go after the life he wants. The show's second and final season features a fantastic road trip storyline that perfectly encapsulates the show's themes of independence and self-acceptance. After a falling out with his overprotective mother, Ryan and his best friends, Kim and Ravi, embark on a "glamping" trip.

The road trip itself is filled with hilarious and relatable moments, from navigating friendship dynamics in a confined space to the inevitable chaos of a camping trip gone wrong. But more importantly, the journey serves as a catalyst for Ryan's emotional growth. Away from the comfort and constraints of his everyday life, he is forced to confront his own insecurities and learn to stand on his own two feet. The show is celebrated for its honest and funny portrayal of life with a disability and its exploration of LGBTQ+ relationships. The road trip in season two is a joyous and liberating experience that sees Ryan fully embracing his independence and his identity. It's a short, sweet, and incredibly charming series that will leave you with a huge smile on your face.

5. The Umbrella Academy

While not a conventional road trip with a car and a map, The Umbrella Academy is built on a series of frantic, time-traveling journeys to escape an impending apocalypse. The series follows the dysfunctional Hargreeves siblings, seven adopted children who were born under mysterious circumstances and trained to be a superhero team. After the death of their adoptive father, they reunite and discover that they have just days to stop the end of the world. Each season sees them failing, being flung to a different time period, and having to find their way back to each other to try and fix the timeline.

These temporal "road trips" are the driving force of the narrative. Season two, for example, sees the siblings scattered across Dallas, Texas, in the early 1960s, forcing them to navigate a new and often hostile environment while trying to prevent the apocalypse they inadvertently brought with them. The journey to reunite and return to their own time is filled with action, humour, and a surprising amount of heart. The show is a wild and imaginative ride that uses its high-concept premise to explore themes of family, trauma, and destiny. It’s a road trip through time that is as chaotic as it is compelling. For those looking for something to watch when the weather isn't great for a real road trip, here are 10 Netflix shows that are perfect for binge-watching on a rainy weekend.

6. Locke & Key

The story of Locke & Key begins with a significant and somber road trip. Following the tragic murder of their father, the Locke family—mother Nina and her three children, Tyler, Kinsey, and Bode—relocate from Seattle to their ancestral home, Keyhouse, in Matheson, Massachusetts. This cross-country drive is a journey fueled by grief and the desperate hope for a fresh start. Keyhouse, however, is no ordinary home; it's a place filled with magical keys that unlock incredible powers and dark secrets.

The initial road trip sets the stage for a series of fantastical journeys of discovery. As the Locke children explore their new home and its surrounding town, they uncover keys that allow them to travel inside their own heads, become ghosts, and even control shadows. The show beautifully blends family drama with supernatural horror and adventure. The journey to understand the power of the keys and the history of their family becomes a central and ongoing "road trip" for the characters. They must navigate the magical world they've inherited while also dealing with the very real challenges of adolescence and grief. It's a captivating and imaginative series that starts with one journey and opens the door to countless others. The show's setting has a unique charm, and for those who enjoy stories with a strong sense of place, you might also like the escapism of Ransom Canyon.

7. I Am Not Okay With This

From the producers of Stranger Things and the director of The End of the F*ing World comes another dark comedy about a super-powered teenager. I Am Not Okay With This follows Sydney Novak, a sharp and witty seventeen-year-old who is navigating the complexities of high school, family drama, and her budding sexuality. As if that weren't enough, she's also just discovered that she has telekinetic powers that manifest whenever she feels strong emotions. The show culminates in a road trip that is both a classic teen experience and a desperate attempt to escape the chaos of her life.

While the series was unfortunately cut short after one season, the journey it sets up is a compelling one. After a traumatic and explosive event at the homecoming dance, Sydney finds herself on the run, a fugitive from both the law and her own uncontrollable powers. The show expertly captures the angst and anxiety of being a teenager, amplified by the metaphor of superpowers. Sydney's journey is a desperate search for answers and control in a world that feels completely out of her hands. It's a sharp, stylish, and surprisingly moving series that leaves you wanting more. As you anticipate what's next, you can check out what's new for June 2025.

8. God's Favorite Idiot

This quirky and endearing workplace comedy takes a sharp turn into a road trip adventure when a mid-level tech support employee named Clark Thompson (Ben Falcone) is struck by lightning and begins to glow. It turns out he has been chosen by God to be a messenger and prevent the apocalypse. Alongside his co-worker and love interest, Amily (Melissa McCarthy), Clark must convince his bewildered colleagues to help him spread the word of God and avert a war between Heaven and Hell.

Their mission inevitably puts them in the crosshairs of some less-than-heavenly figures, forcing them to hit the road in a desperate attempt to complete their divine task. The show is a sweet and silly comedy that blends the mundane world of office life with a high-stakes, supernatural plot. The road trip element adds a sense of urgency and adventure to the story, as Clark and his friends must navigate the dangers of their mission while also dealing with their own personal and romantic entanglements. It's a lighthearted and fun series that proves that even the most ordinary people can be called upon for an extraordinary journey.

Conclusion

The road trip is more than just a plot device; it's a promise of transformation. The eight shows on this list, in their own unique and compelling ways, deliver on that promise. They take us on journeys across post-apocalyptic landscapes, through the backroads of the English countryside, and even across the fabric of time itself. They remind us that the most important part of any journey is not the destination, but the people we travel with and the person we become along the way. Whether you're looking for dark humour, epic fantasy, or heartwarming inspiration, these Netflix shows offer the perfect escape into the wild, unpredictable, and ultimately rewarding world of the open road.

External Links

1. Atlas of Wonders: Discover the filming locations of shows like 'The End of the F***ing World'.

2. The Ultimate 'Sweet Tooth' Road Trip Guide: Explore the real-life New Zealand locations that stand in for America in the show.

3. Interview with Ryan O'Connell on 'Special': Read a Vulture interview with the creator and star of the show.

4. The Official 'The Umbrella Academy' Twitter: Get the latest news, clips, and behind-the-scenes content.

5. Roadtrippers.com: Plan your own real-life road trip with this comprehensive route planner.

6. Jeff Lemire's Official Website: Explore the work of the creator of the 'Sweet Tooth' comics.

FAQs

1. Are all these shows available on Netflix globally? Yes, all the shows on this list are Netflix Originals, which means they should be available to stream in all regions where Netflix is offered.

2. Which of these shows are based on comic books? The End of the F*ing World, Sweet Tooth, The Umbrella Academy, and I Am Not Okay With This are all based on popular graphic novels or comics.

3. Are these shows suitable for all ages? The ratings vary significantly. Sweet Tooth is generally considered family-friendly (though it has some intense moments). Shows like The End of the F*ing World and I Am Not Okay With This are intended for mature audiences due to language, violence, and adult themes. Always check the rating.

4. Are any of these shows docu-series? Yes, Down to Earth with Zac Efron is a travel and lifestyle docu-series. The rest are scripted fictional shows.

   
   

5. Which show is the most lighthearted? God's Favorite Idiot is a very lighthearted and silly comedy. Down to Earth is also very positive and inspiring. Special is a comedy with a lot of heart and warmth.

6. I'm looking for a more traditional road trip story. Which show fits best? The End of the F*ing World is the most classic example of a teen runaway road trip. Sweet Tooth is a classic quest journey across a country.

7. Have any of these shows been cancelled? Unfortunately, I Am Not Okay With This was cancelled after its first season, ending on a cliffhanger. Special concluded with its second season. Check Netflix for the current status of the other series.

8. Do these shows feature a lot of driving scenes? The amount of time spent literally "on the road" varies. The End of the F*ing World has many classic car and driving scenes. In others, like The Umbrella Academy, the "road trip" is more of a conceptual journey through time.

9. Which of these series are British? The End of the F*ing World is a British production. The other shows on the list are primarily American productions.

10. Where can I find more shows about travel on Netflix? Netflix has a "Travel & Adventure TV" category that features a wide range of docu-series and scripted shows focused on travel and exploration, including titles like Somebody Feed Phil and Dark Tourist.