Top 20 Movies Where Vacations Go Horribly Wrong

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Ignacio Weil

Entertainment - June 12th 2025, 17:07 GMT+2

Cropped Infinity Pool 2023 — Infinity Pool (2023)

*Infinity Pool* is a chilling psychological horror film that takes a luxurious vacation to a whole new level of terror. Directed by Brandon Cronenberg, this film follows a couple who, while vacationing at a remote island resort, get involved in a dark and twisted local custom. The situation takes a sinister turn when they become entangled in a deadly cycle that challenges their morality and sense of reality. Starring Alexander Skarsgård and Mia Goth, the film explores the consequences of indulgence and the dangers of uninhibited luxury. With striking visuals and a nerve-wracking narrative, *Infinity Pool* serves as a reminder that paradise can quickly turn into a nightmare. If you're into psychological thrillers with a dark edge, this one's for you. | © Neon

Cropped Triangle of Sadness 2022 — Triangle of Sadness (2022)

Ruben Ostlund’s *Triangle of Sadness* offers a satirical take on class, privilege, and disaster. This dark comedy follows a group of wealthy passengers on a luxury cruise that goes awry when they encounter a disastrous shipwreck. The film dives deep into themes of power dynamics and human nature in extreme circumstances. With standout performances from Harris Dickinson, Charlbi Dean, and Woody Harrelson, *Triangle of Sadness* turns a vacation gone wrong into a biting social commentary. The comedic tone mixed with moments of sheer chaos makes it a thrilling watch, proving that no vacation is foolproof, especially when you’re dealing with the ultra-rich. | © Independent Film Company

Cropped Speak No Evil 2022 — Speak No Evil (2022)

*Speak No Evil* is a disturbing thriller that revolves around a Danish couple who meet a friendly family while on vacation in Italy. What starts as a seemingly harmless social interaction quickly escalates into a chilling series of events. The tension builds as the couple realizes they are trapped in a situation where their hospitality is being manipulated for sinister purposes. With unsettling performances from Morten Burian and Sidsel Siem Koch, this film explores the darker side of politeness and cultural differences, making it a terrifying tale of vacation horror. The sinister atmosphere and slow-burning tension will leave you questioning the boundaries of social niceties. | © MovieBrats Pictures

Cropped Sundown 2021 — Sundown (2021)

In *Sundown*, the vacation gone wrong narrative takes on a more existential tone. Starring Tim Roth, Charlotte Gainsbourg, and Iazua Larios, this film follows a wealthy man who, while vacationing in a luxurious Mexican resort, decides to abandon his life back home after a family emergency. Instead of rushing to the aid of his relatives, he becomes increasingly detached and indifferent to everything around him. The film's exploration of privilege, personal crisis, and isolation makes for a thought-provoking experience that highlights the sometimes disastrous effects of escaping reality. Roth’s subtle yet compelling performance captures the growing unease of a man unraveling in paradise. | © BTF Media

Cropped Midsommar 2019 — Midsommar (2019)

A true masterpiece by Ari Aster, *Midsommar* takes the concept of a vacation gone horribly wrong to unsettling new heights. The film follows a group of friends who travel to a secluded Swedish village for a midsummer festival, only to find themselves caught in a horrifying pagan ritual. As tensions build, the idyllic surroundings only add to the terror, showing that evil can exist in the most serene places. With a standout performance by Florence Pugh as Dani, *Midsommar* is a slow-burn horror film that keeps you on the edge of your seat with its disturbing imagery and intense atmosphere. Aster’s direction and the film's eerie setting prove that some vacations should never be taken. | © A24

Cropped US — Us (2019)

Us, directed by Jordan Peele, takes a seemingly peaceful family vacation to a terrifying new level. The story follows a family who, during a trip to their lakeside vacation home, is confronted by a group of sinister doppelgängers. As the plot unfolds, the family is forced to face a series of psychological and physical horrors that challenge their very sense of identity and survival. With a haunting performance by Lupita Nyong'o, Us explores themes of duality, fear, and societal divisions, all set against the backdrop of what should have been a relaxing holiday. This psychological thriller will have you rethinking the safety of even the most idyllic vacation spots. | © Universal Pictures

Cropped Cabin in the Woods 2012 — Cabin in the Woods (2012)

*Cabin in the Woods* is a genre-bending horror film that takes the classic vacation horror formula and turns it on its head. A group of friends heads to a remote cabin for a weekend getaway, only to discover that they are part of a much larger and far more sinister experiment. With unexpected twists and dark humor, the film challenges the audience’s expectations of the horror genre. Starring Kristen Connolly, Chris Hemsworth, and Richard Jenkins, *Cabin in the Woods* blends traditional slasher elements with a complex, meta-narrative about human nature and control. It’s a perfect mix of chaos and comedy that shows how a relaxing retreat can quickly devolve into something far darker. | © Lionsgate

Cropped Sightseers 2012 — Sightseers (2012)

*Sightseers* is a dark comedy that follows a couple on what should be a quaint road trip through the English countryside, but quickly turns into a murderous rampage. Directed by Ben Wheatley, the film blends quirky humor with unsettling violence as the couple’s increasingly twisted behavior spirals out of control. Alice Lowe and Steve Oram deliver standout performances as the seemingly ordinary couple whose holiday turns into a bloody adventure. The film is a biting satire on social norms, relationships, and the weirdness of modern tourism. What begins as a relaxing vacation soon becomes a road trip from hell, with a sinister edge lurking behind every scenic view. | © StudioCanal

Cropped The Impossible 2012 — The Impossible (2012)

*The Impossible* is a harrowing and emotional true story about a family’s survival after a catastrophic event during their vacation in Thailand. Directed by J.A. Bayona, the film chronicles the family’s struggle to reunite after being separated by the devastating 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. Naomi Watts, Ewan McGregor, and Tom Holland deliver incredibly powerful performances, capturing the chaos, fear, and heartbreak of the disaster. *The Impossible* is an intense survival story that shows how quickly a dream vacation can turn into a fight for survival. It’s a reminder of the unpredictable forces of nature, and how some experiences are beyond our control. | © Warner Bros.

Cropped Force Majeure 2014 — Force Majeure (2014)

*Force Majeure* is a darkly comedic exploration of human nature under pressure, set during a family vacation in the French Alps. When an avalanche threatens their safety, the father’s instinctive reaction to flee leaves his family questioning his actions and his role as their protector. As tensions rise, the family’s relationship is tested in a profound way. With a standout performance by Johannes Kuhnke and Lisa Loven Kongsli, *Force Majeure* delves into themes of masculinity, fear, and responsibility, showing how a vacation meant for bonding can instead reveal uncomfortable truths about the human psyche. | © StudioCanal

Cropped The Hangover 2009 — The Hangover (2009)

*The Hangover* is a riotous comedy that follows a group of friends who travel to Las Vegas for a bachelor party that quickly spirals out of control. After a wild night of partying, they wake up to find the groom missing, with no memory of what happened the previous evening. As they retrace their steps, they uncover a series of chaotic and absurd events, leading to a hilarious yet frantic search for their lost friend. With an unforgettable cast including Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, and Zach Galifianakis, *The Hangover* is a laugh-out-loud portrayal of how a vacation can turn into a series of misadventures. Its blend of comedy and mystery makes it a must-watch for anyone who's ever had a vacation that went off the rails. | © Warner Bros.

Cropped Forgetting Sarah Marshall 2008 — Forgetting Sarah Marshall (2008)

*Forgetting Sarah Marshall* is a heartfelt comedy that explores the chaos of love and heartbreak during a Hawaiian vacation. Peter, played by Jason Segel, heads to a tropical resort to recover from a painful breakup with his famous girlfriend, Sarah Marshall (Kristen Bell). Unfortunately, Sarah is also staying at the same resort with her new boyfriend, leading to a series of awkward and hilarious encounters. Alongside a cast that includes Mila Kunis and Russell Brand, *Forgetting Sarah Marshall* mixes humor with emotional depth, showing how vacations can offer unexpected chances for self-discovery and healing. It’s a great reminder that sometimes the worst vacations lead to the best personal growth. | © Universal Pictures

Cropped Eden Lake 2008 — Eden Lake (2008)

*Eden Lake* is a disturbing and intense thriller that follows a couple on a relaxing getaway to a remote lake in rural England, only to find themselves terrorized by a gang of violent youths. What was supposed to be a peaceful retreat quickly descends into a horrifying struggle for survival. As the couple attempts to escape, they are met with escalating violence and cruelty, making *Eden Lake* a shocking exploration of the darker side of rural life. Starring Kelly Reilly and Michael Fassbender, the film builds tension and dread, offering a stark warning about how vacations can quickly go from idyllic to terrifying when faced with hostile forces. | © Optimum Releasing

Cropped The Beach 2000 — The Beach (2000)

*The Beach* takes viewers to the stunning, idyllic beaches of Thailand, where a young traveler, played by Leonardo DiCaprio, discovers a hidden paradise populated by a group of like-minded individuals seeking an escape from the pressures of modern life. However, as the story unfolds, the utopia soon reveals itself to be anything but perfect. Directed by Danny Boyle, *The Beach* explores themes of isolation, obsession, and the dangers of seeking perfection in a vacation spot. With breathtaking scenery and a compelling performance by DiCaprio, the film shows how paradise can quickly become a nightmare when desires outweigh reality. | © 20th Century Fox

Cropped Thelma Louise 1991 — Thelma & Louise (1991)

*Thelma & Louise* is an iconic road trip film that follows two women, Thelma (Geena Davis) and Louise (Susan Sarandon), who set out on a simple vacation to escape their mundane lives, only to find themselves on a journey that changes them forever. After a violent encounter, their getaway turns into a desperate flight from the law, leading to a series of transformative experiences that redefine their friendship and their understanding of freedom. Directed by Ridley Scott, *Thelma & Louise* is a powerful exploration of female empowerment, friendship, and rebellion, all set against the backdrop of a cross-country adventure. It remains a timeless classic about how a seemingly innocent vacation can take you to unexpected places. | © Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

Cropped Funny Games 1997 — Funny Games (1997)

*Funny Games* is a disturbing psychological thriller directed by Michael Haneke that explores the terrifying consequences of a family’s vacation gone wrong. When a family heads to their lakeside vacation home for a peaceful getaway, their plans are shattered by two young men who begin terrorizing them. The film is a commentary on violence in media, as the perpetrators force the family to play sadistic “games” with deadly consequences. With its haunting atmosphere and intense suspense, *Funny Games* becomes a chilling reflection on the randomness of violence and the fragility of safety. Haneke’s minimalist direction and the unsettling performances of the cast make this a thought-provoking and horrifying tale of vacation terror. | © Warner Spector Releasing

Cropped The Vanishing 1988 — The Vanishing (1988)

*The Vanishing* (1988) is a chilling Dutch psychological thriller that follows a man’s obsessive search for his girlfriend, who mysteriously disappears during a vacation in France. As time passes, the man becomes increasingly consumed by the need to find out what happened, leading to a tense and disturbing conclusion. Directed by George Sluizer, the film explores the dark corners of human curiosity and obsession, as the man confronts the horrifying truth about his partner’s disappearance. *The Vanishing* is known for its unnerving atmosphere and its brutal ending, making it a standout in the genre of psychological horror. This film will leave you questioning the lengths to which someone will go to uncover the truth. | © Columbia Pictures

Cropped National Lampoons Vacation 1983 — National Lampoon’s Vacation (1983)

*National Lampoon’s Vacation* is a classic American comedy that follows the Griswold family on a chaotic road trip to Walley World, a theme park that turns their vacation into a series of comedic disasters. Starring Chevy Chase as the ever-optimistic Clark Griswold, the film is a hilarious portrayal of family dysfunction and the unpredictable nature of vacations. With memorable performances from Beverly D'Angelo and a young Anthony Michael Hall, *National Lampoon’s Vacation* remains a beloved comedy that has become synonymous with family road trips. Despite its comedic tone, the film captures the frustration and unpredictability of family vacations, reminding us all that even the best-laid plans can go awry. | © Warner Bros.

Tourist trap msn — Tourist Trap (1979)

*Tourist Trap* is a creepy cult horror film that takes the vacation-gone-wrong trope to a terrifying extreme. A group of friends, stranded after their car breaks down, ends up at a creepy, isolated roadside attraction run by a man with disturbing secrets. What seems like an innocent stop quickly turns into a terrifying struggle for survival as the friends find themselves trapped by supernatural forces and the sinister owner, played by Chuck Connors. Combining elements of horror and surrealism, *Tourist Trap* stands out for its bizarre atmosphere and psychological tension, making it a unique entry in the genre of vacation horror. | © Film Ventures International

Deliverance 1972 msn — Deliverance (1972)

*Deliverance* is a seminal thriller that follows four friends who venture into the remote Appalachian wilderness for a canoe trip, only to find themselves in a fight for their lives against hostile locals. Directed by John Boorman and starring Burt Reynolds, Jon Voight, and Ned Beatty, the film explores the brutal reality of survival in a hostile environment. As the men are forced to confront their own weaknesses and fears, *Deliverance* becomes a harrowing commentary on masculinity, civilization, and the primal instincts that emerge when the comforts of society are stripped away. The film’s iconic scenes and intense performances make it a gripping and unforgettable tale of a vacation gone terribly wrong. | © Warner Bros.

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Vacations are often seen as a time for relaxation, adventure, and making lasting memories. However, not every getaway goes as planned. In fact, some of the most entertaining films are those that depict vacations spiraling out of control, leading to hilarious mishaps, unexpected dangers, and unforgettable moments. From chaotic road trips to international disasters, these movies show us what can happen when a dream vacation takes a wild turn.

In this article, we’ll explore the top 20 movies about vacations gone wrong, showcasing everything from comedic disasters to thrilling survival stories. Whether you're looking for laughs or some serious escapism, these films are sure to remind you that sometimes, things are better when they don’t go according to plan.