With this year's release of On The Road, Water Salles has achieved what many thought was impossible; a film adaptation of Jack Kerouacs book. A film version had been in the works for years, notable filmmakers from Francis Ford Coppola to Gus van Sant wanted their hands on the property to create the ultimate of road movies. In appreciation of Salles's work, this article takes a look at 10 other iconic road movies and why they make such a lasting impression. Road trips have been part of our cinematic experience for a long time. In fact, the earliest American films often contain an on-the-road plot that reflects the nomadic roots of American history; discovering new frontiers and forging identities. The genre developed even further after World War II when the automobile industry boomed. Then the 60s arrived and iconic road movies came to the forefront once more with the anti-establishment flicks Easy Rider and Bonnie and Clyde. What makes these road movies so appealing is that they challenge conformity; the openness of the road allows characters to explore an alternative state of living. From Lolita to Thelma and Louise, road movies can be seen as a form of resistance. Click within to see my selection of awesome road movies. Use the comments to let me know which ones Ive missed.