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60 Essential Adventure Movies

The adventure is one of the hardest kinds of movie to define, but like certain other genres:  “ You know it when you see it.” Adventures are grand, exciting, and often epic tales, usually focused on people on a mission, whose purposes include fame, fortune, and glory. The best adventure movies can run on the thrill of exploration and discovery, treading deep into jungles, stalking across arid deserts, or sailing across open oceans. The casts of characters feature rambunctious pirates, lordly counts, mercenaries and bounty hunters, big whales, and even bigger apes. And adventure movies can invite their other genre buddies along for the ride, too, including fantasy and science-fiction.

Now we’re embarking on our own journey, plundering gem after gem for a guide to what we’re calling the essential adventure movies if you love the genre. Listing these best adventure movies in chronological order, we begin a century in the past, when the adventure genre was defined by the swashbucklers of  Captain Blood and The Three Musketeers . At the same time, the fantastical elements introduced in King Kong and Wizard of Oz marked adventure movies as the spot to introduce the latest in dazzling special effects.

After World War II, the adventure genre entered its prestige era, with historical epics like Lawrence of Arabia and The Man Who Would Be King , and tales of derring-do in The African Queen and The Great Escape . Here it should be said there is a certain Western-centric viewpoint that cannot be denied as inherent to many adventure movies, one that ‘others’ different countries and cultures. And hopefully what elevates these movies above that are their swaggering sense of playful optimism and lighthearted fun.

That’s certainly evident in Raiders of the Lost Ark , whose retro serial action and intrigue established the adventure formula for a new generation, which marched on through Indiana Jones’ sequels, Romancing the Stone , National Treasure , and The Mummy . During the same ’80s Indy decade, the adventure genre opened itself back up to sci-fi and fantasy, along with spotlighting younger protagonists, leading to The Goonies , The NeverEnding Story , Labyrinth , and more.

Around the turn of the century, the adventure movie successfully aided the resurrection of other genres that common Hollywood wisdom had deemed box office poison: swashbucklers ( The Mask of Zorro ), high fantasy ( The Lord of the Rings ), and even the pirate movie ( Pirates of the Caribbean ), which had been sent to Davy Jones’ Locker after Cutthroat Island sank Carolco Pictures.

And since 2012’s Life of Pi , there’s been another adventure resurgence with The Jungle Book and more Kong and Jumanji movies.

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The Three Musketeers (1921) 92%

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King Kong (1933) 97%

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Captain Blood (1935) 100%

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The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938) 100%

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The Wizard of Oz (1939) 98%

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Gunga Din (1939) 93%

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The Treasure of the Sierra Madre (1948) 100%

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The Three Musketeers (1948) 75%

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The African Queen (1951) 96%

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20,000 Leagues Under the Sea (1954) 91%

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Moby Dick (1956) 81%

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The Hidden Fortress (1958) 96%

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Journey to the Center of the Earth (1959) 84%

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Lawrence of Arabia (1962) 94%

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The Great Escape (1963) 94%

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The Three Musketeers (1973) 88%

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The Man Who Would Be King (1975) 97%

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Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981) 93%

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Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984) 77%

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Romancing the Stone (1984) 86%

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The Neverending Story (1984) 83%

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The Goonies (1985) 77%

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Return to Oz (1985) 58%

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Flight of the Navigator (1986) 84%

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Labyrinth (1986) 77%

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The Princess Bride (1987) 96%

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Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989) 84%

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Honey, I Shrunk the Kids (1989) 76%

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The Armour of God (1986) 71%

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Hook (1991) 29%

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White Fang (1991) 67%

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Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (1991) 51%

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The Last of the Mohicans (1992) 88%

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Rudyard Kipling's The Jungle Book (1994) 80%

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Jumanji (1995) 51%

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The Mask of Zorro (1998) 84%

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The Mummy (1999) 61%

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The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001) 91%

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Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (2001) 20%

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The Count of Monte Cristo (2002) 73%

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Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003) 80%

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Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World (2003) 85%

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Big Fish (2003) 75%

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National Treasure (2004) 46%

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King Kong (2005) 84%

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Zathura (2005) 76%

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Duma (2005) 95%

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Stardust (2007) 77%

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Journey to the Center of the Earth (2008) 60%

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Nim's Island (2008) 53%

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City of Ember (2008) 53%

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Alice in Wonderland (2010) 51%

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Life of Pi (2012) 86%

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The Jungle Book (2016) 94%

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Kong: Skull Island (2017) 75%

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Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle (2017) 76%

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The Lost City of Z (2016) 86%

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A Wrinkle in Time (2018) 43%

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Dora and the Lost City of Gold (2019) 85%

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The Kid Who Would Be King (2019) 90%

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98 Best Adventure Movies All Time Ranked

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Of all the stories humans tell, there's just something about a fantastic adventure that speaks to our souls time and time again, whether it's an ancient text like "The Epic of Gilgamesh" or a more modern-tale like George Lucas' "Star Wars." The fact that we've always been drawn to stories of quests and derring-do proves the power of a good adventure to reach deep into the human spirit. 

When a great adventure comes alive on the big or small screen, it gives viewers a chance to step outside of their world and experience the potential of a transformative journey. Whether it's a journey across the sea or across all of space and time, there's nothing like sitting down with a tub of popcorn and stepping into a new world. Next time you're looking for adventure, we've got you covered with the 98 best adventure movies ever made. 

Updated on May 23, 2022: Great new adventure movies are released all the time! We'll be updating this list every so often to include the best new adventure films, so be sure to check back soon for more fantastic quests! 

98. The Count of Monte Cristo

Based on the 1844 Alexandre Dumas novel, "The Count of Monte Cristo" follows the adventures of Edmond Dantès, a man on the verge of having the perfect life ... until he's betrayed and tossed into prison by jealous enemies. From there, we watch as Edmond survives imprisonment, escapes from the notorious Château d'If, pursues treasure, and goes through the ultimate glow-up as he presents himself as the "Count of Monte Cristo" to Parisian society. And, oh yeah, the whole time, he's plotting some serious revenge. From pirates to secret tunnels, this film is brimming with equal parts swashbuckling adventure and neoclassical pomp. 

  • Starring: Jim Caviezel, Guy Pearce, Richard Harris
  • Director: Kevin Reynolds
  • Runtime: 131 minutes
  • Rating: PG-13
  • Rotten Tomatoes Score: 73%

97. Ready Player One

In "Ready Player One," teen orphan Wade Watts lives in a miserable dystopian world where RVs are stacked like the world's saddest LEGOs. But lucky for Wade, the wi-fi is fantastic. Our hero — and most everyone else — spends their days inside the OASIS, a video game reality that's the ultimate form of escapism. But when the OASIS creator leaves his vast fortune and company ownership hidden inside his VR world in an Easter egg, Wade embarks on the ultimate virtual adventure to find it, traveling through a world populated with Gen-X pop culture references and baddies for hire. 

  • Starring: Tye Sheridan, Olivia Cooke, Ben Mendelsohn
  • Director: Steven Spielberg
  • Runtime: 140 minutes
  • Rotten Tomatoes Score: 72%

96. Dora and the Lost City of Gold

In this live-action adaptation of the classic animated children's series, second-generation explorer Dora embarks on an adventure with her monkey friend Boots and cousin Diego after her parents go missing while on a hunt for a lost city filled with treasure.  A whimsical, teenage reimagining of the beloved show, "Dora and the Lost City of Gold" is a fitting tribute that offers a fair share of family-friendly comedy, whimsy, and adventure.

  • Starring:  Isabela Moner, Eugenio Derbez, Michael Peña
  • Director:  James Bobin
  • Year:  2019
  • Runtime:  102 minutes
  • Rating:  PG
  • Rotten Tomatoes Score:  85%

95. Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World

Adapted from Patrick O'Brian's series of historical novels, "Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World" is a seafaring naval adventure set during the Napoleonic Wars. Like the novels, the film follows the adventures of Royal Navy captain Jack Aubrey and his ship surgeon, Dr. Stephen Maturin. In pursuit of French privateers, Captain Aubrey leads the HMS Surprise around Cape Horn to the Galápagos Islands, where they encounter a host of maritime adventures from eerily becalmed waters to strange new species to hand-to-hand combat with unsavory mariners. 

  • Starring:  Russell Crowe, Paul Bettany, James D'Arcy
  • Director:  Peter Weir
  • Year:  2003
  • Runtime:  138 minutes
  • Rating:  PG-13

94. Fantastic Voyage

Long before "Honey I Shrunk the Kids" and "Innerspace," "Fantastic Voyage" would imagine a world where miniaturization technology was the latest front in the Cold War. Aboard the microscopic submarine Proteus, a crew of medical scientists must journey through a scientist's body in order to save him and his top-secret intelligence from a blood clot in the span of an hour. While the science probably won't help anyone through Biology 101, "Fantastic Voyage" is a fun ride through the human circulatory system with a fair share of peak Red Scare antics sprinkled throughout. 

  • Starring: Donald Pleasance, Raquel Welch, Stephen Boyd 
  • Director:  Richard Fleischer
  • Runtime:  100 minutes
  • Rotten Tomatoes Score : 91%

93. The Hidden Fortress

Set in feudal Japan, "The Hidden Fortress" finds hard-luck peasants Tahei and Matashichi setting a course for adventure by joining the powerful Yamana clan of soldiers and eventually escorting a princess and her family gold through enemy territory. Imperfect heroes that they are, Tahei and Matashichi are hardly up to the challenge of facing off with warring samurai. But with the help of a few brave allies, they manage to scrape through by the skin of their teeth. One of the biggest influences on 1977's "Star Wars," "The Hidden Fortress" is a true classic of Japanese cinema.

  • Starring:  Toshiro Mifune, Misa Uehara, Minoru Chiaki
  • Director:  Akira Kurosawa
  • Year:  1958
  • Runtime:  139 minutes
  • Rating:  NR
  • Rotten Tomatoes Score : 97%

92. Stagecoach

Adapted from the 1937 Ernest Haycox short story "The Stage to Lordsburg," "Stagecoach" is a Western adventure story set in 1880, where a motley group of strangers — from a drunken doctor and a dangerous gambler to a kindly outlaw and a gold-hearted saloon girl — come together aboard a stagecoach traveling from Arizona Territory to New Mexico. The journey takes place in a world where the American frontier still seems vast and dangerous, forcing the group to work together as they make their epic journey through the Wild West. One of John Ford's finest films, "Stagecoach" is the movie that launched John Wayne to superstardom.

  • Starring:  Claire Trevor, John Wayne, Andy Devine
  • Director:  John Ford
  • Year:  1939
  • Runtime:  96 minutes
  • Rotten Tomatoes Score:  100%

91. Captain Blood

 "Captain Blood" is a seafaring adventure set in the Golden Age of Piracy, and when it comes to adventure, no one did it better than 17th-century pirates. This high-seas adventure finds Irish physician Peter Blood sold into slavery in the West Indies. After Blood is purchased by the lovely Arabella Bishop, he later escapes Port Royal during a Spanish man-o-war attack, taking up a new life as a Caribbean buccaneer where swashbuckling adventures and romance on the high seas are the order of the day. For those not familiar with old-timey actors, Blood is played by Errol Flynn, the greatest action star of his day, and "Captain Blood" finds him at his adventurous, charming best.

  • Starring:  Errol Flynn, Olivia de Havilland, Basil Rathbone
  • Director:  Michael Curtiz
  • Runtime:  119 minutes

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 100%

90. The French Connection

Directed by the legendary William Friedkin, "The French Connection" recounts the true story of two NYC detectives investigating a large-scale heroin operation, one that spans from Brooklyn to Marseille. At the heart of the story, we've got Detective "Popeye" Doyle, the ultimate dirty cop who never met a rule he couldn't break. Played to ferocious perfection by Gene Hackman, Doyle and his partner find themselves going down a mafia rabbit hole that eventually leads to one of the greatest chase sequences of all time — one filmed guerrilla style by Friedkin, resulting in accidental real-life collisions and the feeling of actual danger.

  • Starring:  Gene Hackman, Roy Scheider, Fernando Rey
  • Director:  William Friedkin
  • Year:  1971
  • Runtime:  104 minutes
  • Rotten Tomatoes Score:  97%

89. Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon

"Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" is widely considered one of the best and most influential wuxia films of all time, thanks in large part to its gorgeous cinematography and unique martial arts scenes. The story is set in 19th-century China during the Qing dynasty and follows the adventures of female machete warrior Yu Shu Lien and her wudang swordsman friend Mu Bai as they battle other warriors over the 400-year-old sword Green Destiny. Come for the flying duels amongst bamboo, stay for the sweeping romance and epic adventure.

  • Starring:  Chow Yun-fat, Michelle Yeoh, Zhang Ziyi
  • Director:  Ang Lee
  • Year:  2001
  • Runtime:  120 minutes

88. Moonrise Kingdom

"Moonrise Kingdom" is a love story and adventure about two lonely adolescents who decide to run away together on a New England island after a year of sharing romantic love letters. Suzy and Sam's plan to meet up and live off the land in a hidden cove they call "Moonrise Kingdom" doesn't go quite as planned, and they find themselves on the run from Social Services and Suzy's parents as a violent storm bears down. A charming coming-of-age story set in the mid-1960s, "Moonrise Kingdom" is a nostalgic tale of first love without the baggage of adulthood.

  • Starring:  Bruce Willis , Edward Norton, Frances McDormand
  • Director:  Wes Anderson
  • Year:  2012
  • Runtime:  94 minutes
  • Rotten Tomatoes Score:  93%

87. National Lampoon's Vacation

The ultimate American road comedy, "National Lampoon's Vacation" is the first film in the "Vacation" series and follows the Griswold family's adventures as they embark on a cross-country road trip from suburban Chicago to the beloved theme park Walley World. Partly due to patriarch Clark Griswold's many personality flaws, the family encounters more than their share of troubles along the way, including a hostage situation when things don't go as they planned at the park. Anyone who's taken a long family road trip will relate to the comedic miseries visited upon the Griswold's Wagon Queen Family Truckster. 

  • Starring:  Chevy Chase, Beverly D'Angelo, John Candy
  • Director:  Harold Ramis
  • Year:  1983
  • Runtime:  98 minutes

86. The Great Escape

A fictionalized tale based on the real-life escape of Allied POWs during World War II, "The Great Escape" tells the story of a large-scale prison break from a Nazi-run, high-security camp in 1942. Working together, the prisoners manage to dig a tunnel without the guards' knowledge and end up on the run in Nazi Germany. A heart-pounding tale of hope and ingenuity, "The Great Escape" is a reminder of human resilience in the face of overwhelming adversity. Plus, it features one of the all-time great motorcycle sequences, complete with the "King of Cool" himself, Steve McQueen.

  • Starring:  Steve McQueen, James Garner, Richard Attenborough
  • Director:  John Sturges
  • Runtime:  172 minutes
  • Rotten Tomatoes Score:  94%

85. The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

The archetypal spaghetti Western, "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly" follows three gunslingers on a quest to find a cache of Confederate gold hidden by a fugitive during the bloody peak of the Civil War. On one side, you've got the "Good," a marksman/bounty hunter who's always one step ahead of everybody else. Then there's the "Bad," a squinty-eyed mercenary with no remorse when it comes to murder. And finally, there's the "Ugly," a sniveling bandit who's a lot faster on the draw than you might expect. Together, these three double-cross each other, butt heads, and occasionally give each other a hand as they search for treasure. With three iconic characters and Ennio Morricone's incredible score, it's no wonder this is the ultimate Wild West adventure.

  • Starring:  Clint Eastwood, Eli Wallach, Lee Van Cleef
  • Director:  Sergio Leone
  • Year:  1966
  • Runtime:  161 minutes
  • Rotten Tomatoes Score: 97%

84. The Treasure of the Sierra Madre

Directed by John Huston, "The Treasure of the Sierra Madre" finds two down-on-their-luck drifters teaming up with an aging prospector to dig for gold in the Sierra Madre mountains. While they find what they're looking for, trust between the party begins to quickly fray as they encounter locals, a gang of bandits with sights set on their gold, and that nastiest of human enemies — greed. Humphrey Bogart gives one of his all-time performances as Fred C. Dobbs, a man with big dreams, dollar signs in his eyes, and darkness in his heart.

  • Starring:  Humphrey Bogart, Walter Huston, Tim Holt
  • Director:  John Huston
  • Year:  1948
  • Runtime:  124 minutes

83. Jurassic Park

With a theme park chock full of cloned dinosaurs, what could go wrong? This is the central question in the film "Jurassic Park," which finds a group of survivors on the run from dinos off the coast of Costa Rica. Not long after experts paleobotanist Ellie Sattler, paleontologist Alan Grant, and chaos theory math whiz Ian Malcolm arrive to sign off on the park's safety, a storm and a disgruntled hacker descend upon the island, leaving the resident dinos to run amok after the park's electric fences lose power. Throw a couple of kids into the mix, and it's a recipe for some serious prehistoric adventure, complete with eye-popping effects, both practical and CGI.

  • Starring:  Sam Neill, Laura Dern, Jeff Goldblum
  • Director:  Steven Spielberg
  • Year:  1993
  • Runtime:  128 minutes
  • Rotten Tomatoes Score: 92%

82. The Man Who Would Be King

Based on Rudyard Kipling's novella, "The Man Who Would Be King" is set in 1880s British-colonized India and the neighboring Kafiristan. Told from the perspective of a fictionalized Rudyard Kipling, the story recounts the adventures of two former British soldiers who set a course for adventure, only to find it less exciting than they pictured. So they two men — who so happen to be Kipling's compatriots — set their sights set on looting Kafiristan, a plan that gets adjusted when one of them is taken for a god by the locals.

  • Starring:  Sean Connery , Michael Caine, Christopher Plummer
  • Year:  1975
  • Runtime:  129 minutes

81. Planes, Trains and Automobiles

One of the world's few Thanksgiving films, "Planes, Trains and Automobiles" is part buddy comedy, part road trip adventure. The tale finds frustrating but friendly traveling salesman Del Griffith crossing paths with uptight marketing exec Neal Page as they team up in a desperate bid to get Neal home in time for his turkey dinner. Despite the short distance between New York and Chicago, the unlikely pair find themselves on something of an epic journey after their plane gets diverted to Wichita. This hilarious and heartwarming adventure should be on everyone's Turkey Day watch list, largely thanks to the incredible chemistry between comedic legends John Candy and Steve Martin.

  • Starring:  Steve Martin, John Candy, Laila Robins
  • Director:  John Hughes
  • Year:  1987
  • Runtime:  92 minutes

80. Monty Python and the Holy Grail

A comedy adventure written and performed by the Monty Python comedy team, "Monty Python and the Holy Grail" follows King Arthur and his squire Patsy as they roam around the British countryside looking for knights to join the legendary Round Table and help in their quest for the fabled Holy Grail. Along the way, they get into all sorts of Arthurian adventures from a witch trial to a bout of plague. With plenty of anachronisms and absurdist humor, the film represents everything that's great about Monty Python and everything that's not so great about medieval England.

  • Starring:  Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam
  • Director:  Terry Gilliam, Terry Jones
  • Runtime:  90 minutes

79. The African Queen

"The African Queen" takes place on a steamboat in 1948 German East Africa — a unique location for a sweeping story. The film finds a pair of sibling British missionaries caught in the middle of a war between the U.K. and Germany. But after her brother's death at the hands of German troops, Rose Sayer teams up with a local steamboat captain, heavy-drinking Canadian Charlie Allnut, to upgrade his boat — the African Queen — into a massive torpedo to take on the Germans. Granted, the uptight Christian and the booze-guzzling riverman don't get along at first, but strange circumstances often lead to strange romances. This adventure story was shot on location in the Congo and Uganda, efforts that paid off in terms of the film's gorgeous Technicolor scenery. 

  • Starring:  Humphrey Bogart, Katharine Hepburn, Robert Morley
  • Year:  1951
  • Runtime:  105 minutes
  • Rotten Tomatoes Score: 96%

78. Forbidden Planet

Easily one of the most influential and iconic sci-fi films, "Forbidden Planet" takes place in the 23rd century when a United Planets starship heads to Altair IV to investigate an expedition that disappeared two decades ago. During their exploration of the planet, they encounter Robby the robot, along with Dr. Morbius and his daughter Altaira. Things turn strange pretty quickly as they often do in the sci-fi world with the crew encountering strange creatures and a powerful intellectual enhancer, among other surprises. The film has been widely discussed for its parallels to William Shakespeare's "The Tempest," and for the time, its special effects are pretty darn impressive.

  • Starring:  Walter Pidgeon, Anne Francis, Leslie Nielsen
  • Director:  Fred M. Wilcox
  • Year:  1956

77. Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl

An 18th-century swashbuckling adventure, "Pirates of the Caribbean" is a fantastical tale that follows Will Turner and Elizabeth Swann as they cross paths with the infamous pirate Captain Jack Sparrow and the cursed crew of the Black Pearl. Based on the beloved Disney Parks ride of the same name, the "Pirates" film series is a surprisingly exciting adventure filled with plenty of mythology and wacky adventures. But it all started here with a film that became an instant classic, largely thanks to Johnny Depp's iconic performance as rum-loving, rock star pirate.

  • Starring:  Johnny Depp , Geoffrey Rush, Orlando Bloom
  • Director:  Gore Verbinski
  • Runtime:  143 minutes
  • Rotten Tomatoes Score:  80%

76. Free Guy

In "Free Guy," even non-playable characters (NPC) get to have big adventures. In the video game world of "Free City," NPC Guy becomes self-aware thanks to a new AI code in the system. As a result, he starts to go off-script, encountering game developer Millie who mistakes him for a noob. Things get even more complicated when Guy falls in love with Millie and sparks a game-wide revolution. Despite the very heavy existential subtext and slightly chilling AI implications, the story manages to stay in its lane as a fun adventure in the virtual world.

  • Starring:  Ryan Reynolds, Jodie Comer, Lil Rel Howery
  • Director:  Shawn Levy
  • Year:  2021
  • Runtime:  115 minutes

75. O Brother, Where Art Thou?

Inspired by the Homerian epic poem "The Odyssey," "O Brother, Where Art Thou?" is a Coen brothers satire set in the Great Depression that follows three escaped convicts on a treasure hunt after breaking out of a chain gang. Ulysses Everett McGill leads his pals Delmar and Pete on a wild journey where they encounter figures taken straight from Homer to the tune of period folk music. Clever, fun, and more lighthearted than many other Coen brothers projects, the film is a must-watch for anyone who enjoys a great soundtrack and a solid adventure. 

  • Starring:  George Clooney , John Turturro, Tim Blake Nelson
  • Director:  Joel Coen, Ethan Coen
  • Year:  2000
  • Runtime:  106 minutes
  • Rotten Tomatoes Score:  78%

74. The Last Starfighter

When teenager Alex is rejected for his scholarship, he turns to the only cool thing in his trailer park for comfort: the "Starfighter" arcade game. After beating the game's high score, he learns that it's really a recruitment strategy for an intergalactic space army, and as a result, he ends up aboard a real-world Starfighter. The ultimate '80s teen video game fantasy, "The Last Starfighter" has developed a cult following over the years thanks to its cheesy "Star Wars" knock-off storyline. 

  • Starring:  Lance Guest, Dan O'Herlihy, Robert Preston
  • Director:  Nick Castle
  • Year:  1984
  • Rotten Tomatoes Score:  76%

73. Three Musketeers

Based on the 1844 Alexandre Dumas novel of the same name, "The Three Musketeers" follows the 17th-century adventures of d'Artagnan after joining forces with the famed "three inseperables" — Athos, Porthos, and Aramis. The silent French historical adventure finds the quartet swashbuckling their way around Europe with plenty of fancy swordplay and gorgeous period costumes. 

  • Starring:  Douglas Fairbanks, Leon Bary, George Siegmann
  • Director:  Fred Niblo
  • Year:  1921

72. Seven Samurai

Perhaps the greatest Japanese movie ever made, "Seven Samurai" is an epic adventure tale set in 16th-century Japan, following the adventures of seven rōnin (masterless samurai) hired by farmers to fight off bandits who keep stealing their crops. Realizing that the farmers need to learn to defend themselves, the samurai arm and train the locals, helping them to fortify their village in anticipation of the next raid. Directed by one of the greatest filmmakers of all time, Akira Kurosawa, the action scenes in "Seven Samurai" blow most modern-day battle sequences out of the water. Don't be scared off by the runtime. This epic adventure flick will grab you from the start and never let go. 

  • Starring:  Toshiro Mifune, Takashi Shimura, Keiko Tsushima
  • Year:  1954
  • Runtime:  207 minutes

71. Serenity

A continuation of the cult series "Firefly," "Serenity" is a space Western that picks up where the show leaves off with the smuggler crew of the Firefly-class spaceship Serenity. Like the series, "Serenity" is set in the 26th century and finds the crew harboring a pair of refugees — the psychic science experiment River Tam and her brother Simon. Plus, we've got bank robberies, we've got the cannibalistic Reavers, and we've got an obsessed government assassin who'll stop at nothing to track down our heroes. With a cast that includes Nathan Fillion, Alan Tudyk, Gina Torres, and Chiwetel Ejiofor, "Serenity" is an imaginative space adventure full of the magic that "FIrefly" fans came to love during the show's too-short run.

  • Starring:  Nathan Fillion, Alan Tudyk, Summer Glau
  • Director:  Joss Whedon
  • Year:  2005
  • Rotten Tomatoes Score:  82%

70. Gladiator

When 2nd-century Roman General Maximus Decimus Meridius refuses to pledge his loyalty to the murderous Commodus, he ends up arrested while his wife and son are crucified. After escaping and burying his family, Maximus ends up enslaved to a gladiator trainer, eventually becoming a crowd favorite thanks to his gladiator skills and savvy. With loads of great Colosseum action and peak Roman violence, "Gladiator" is one of the best stories set in this period.

  • Starring:  Russell Crowe, Joaquin Phoenix , Connie Nielsen
  • Director:  Ridley Scott
  • Runtime:  155 minutes
  • Rotten Tomatoes Score:  77%

69. Kong: Skull Island

Perhaps the most exciting entry in the MonsterVerse franchise, "Kong: Skull Island" finds a group of scientists and soldiers heading to the titular isle. Little do they know, they're in for a big surprise, as the place is crawling with giant insects, massive sea creatures, and one very large ape. That's right, it's King Kong, the island's protector who's engaged in a war with subterranean reptilian predators called "skullcrawlers." Half our heroes want to ally with Kong. The other half wants to kill him. Everybody wants to get off that island ... but the monsters have other ideas. The film reimagines King Kong as a lonely god figure who must be protected at all costs and adds to the mythology of the Kong universe. 

  • Starring:  Tom Hiddleston, Samuel L. Jackson, Brie Larson
  • Director:  Jordan Vogt-Roberts
  • Year:  2017
  • Runtime:  118 minutes
  • Rotten Tomatoes Score:  75%

68. Where the Wild Things Are

Based on the 1963 children's story by Maurice Sendak, "Where the Wild Things Are" is a live-action fantasy adventure that takes a long and soulful look at the heartache and beauty that comes with raising a child. An imaginative child of divorce, Max is acting out, unable to control his emotions in a way that's driving his mother to a state of distress, where she's literally afraid of her own child. Locked in his room, Max journeys to a faraway land of his own imagination where he meets seven wild creatures who he's able to convince he is a king. Despite being a family film, "Where the Wild Things Are" is a complex and layered story that many viewers will find meaning in. 

  • Starring:  Max Records, Catherine Keener, James Gandolfini
  • Director:  Spike Jonze
  • Year:  2010
  • Runtime:  101 minutes
  • Rotten Tomatoes Score:  73%

67. The Spiderwick Chronicles

Based on the fantasy book series by Holly Black and Tony DiTerlizzi, "The Spiderwick Chronicles" is a family fantasy-adventure centered around the Spiderwick estate and a field guide to magical fairies including brownies, goblins, fairies, and a shapeshifting ogre. After twin Jared happens across the book and encounters a brownie, he and his siblings find themselves caught up in a fantastical world where magic is real.

  • Starring:  Freddie Highmore, Sarah Bolger, Mary-Louise Parker
  • Director:  Mark Waters
  • Year:  2008
  • Runtime:  97 minutes
  • Rotten Tomatoes Score:  81%

66. King Kong (2005)

Set during the Great Depression, 2005's "King Kong" marks the second time the original 1933 "King Kong" film would be remade. While NYC actress Ann Darrow is sacrificed to King Kong by the angry residents of Skull Island, the rest of her party find themselves face-to-face with dinosaurs and oversized insects. After they manage to escape, sketchy filmmaker Carl Denham captures Kong and puts him on Broadway, which goes exactly like it sounds it would. An exciting CGI-powered tribute to the original film, Peter Jackson's "King Kong" is a grand adventure, one that works thanks to the strong relationship that builds between Ann and Kong, who's portrayed by mo-cap legend Andy Serkis.

  • Starring:  Naomi Watts, Jack Black , Adrien Brody
  • Director:  Peter Jackson
  • Year:  2005 
  • Runtime:  187 minutes
  • Rotten Tomatoes Score:  84%

65. 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea

A Technicolor tribute to Jules Verne's classic novel, Disney's "20,000 Leagues Under the Sea" is a sci-fi steampunk masterpiece. The tale finds Professor Aronnax — accompanied by sidekick Conseil and harpooner Ned Land — searching for a mysterious sea monster, all to discover the creature is actually the Nautilus — a submarine captained by the obsessive Captain Nemo. Aboard the Nautilus, our heroes encounter cannibals, warships, and even a giant squid as they explore the ocean in all its beauty. Even by today's standards, the 1954 special effects are spectacular, and James Mason's performance as Nemo might be a career best.

  • Starring:  Kirk Douglas, James Mason, Paul Lukas
  • Runtime:  127 minutes
  • Rotten Tomatoes Score: 90%

64. Life of Pi

Adapted from the 2001 novel by Yann Martel, "Life of Pi" is a philosophical fantasy adventure following the journey of the titular Pi, a young man who survives a shipwreck. Our hero makes his way aboard a lifeboat and finds he has to sail across the ocean with a number of zoo animals, including a very hungry Bengal tiger. Surreal and meditative, the visually stunning tale explores the power of imagination in the face of great pain and loss. 

  • Starring:  Suraj Sharma, Irrfan Khan, Rafe Spall
  • Runtime:  125 minutes
  • Rotten Tomatoes Score:  86%

63. Bridge to Terabithia

When bullied and economically disadvantaged adolescent Jess meets his new neighbor, Leslie, the pair invent an imaginary world called Terabithia — a land of magic and escape. More of a story about the heartache and challenges of adolescents having to face the adult world than a simple children's story, "Bridge to Terabithia" is an emotional tale of two kids finding strength in their own creativity.  

  • Starring:  Josh Hutcherson, AnnaSophia Robb, Zooey Deschanel
  • Director:  Gábor Csupó
  • Year:  2007
  • Runtime:  95 minutes

62. Cast Away

Equal parts survival story and extended FedEx advertisement, "Cast Away" finds globetrotting workaholic and FedEx productivity expert Chuck Noland taking an unexpected mandatory unpaid leave after his plane crashes, leaving him stranded on a deserted island for years. Stuck in the middle of nowhere, Chuck struggles to survive against incredible odds with only a volleyball to keep him company. When it comes to survival films, "Cast Away" is one of the best ever made thanks in no small part to Tom Hanks' incredible one-man performance for most of the film. 

  • Starring:  Tom Hanks , Helen Hunt, Nick Searcy
  • Director:  Robert Zemeckis
  • Rotten Tomatoes Score: 89%

61. Kill Bill: Vol. 1

A genre-bending revenge fantasy, "Kill Bill: Vol. I" takes its influences from everything director Quentin Tarantino loves, including spaghetti Westerns, martial arts films, and Blaxploitation. The tale finds the Bride waking up from a years-long coma to declare revenge on her old comrades, the Deadly Viper Assassination Squad, who turned her wedding day into a bloodbath and tried to kill her. A vivid and bloody odyssey, the film is mandatory viewing for anyone who loves great cinema.  

  • Starring:  Uma Thurman, Lucy Liu, Vivica A. Fox
  • Director:  Quentin Tarantino
  • Runtime:  110 minutes

60. The Green Knight

Inspired by the 14th-century chivalric romance poem "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight," David Lowery's trippy film is an Arthurian tale that finds King Arthur's cousin, Gawain, on a quest to the Green Chapel, where he's meant to die at the hands of the legendary Green Knight. In his travels through the eerie, mythical forests of medieval England, he crosses paths with a talking fox and a ghost, among other strange encounters. 

  • Starring:  Dev Patel, Alicia Vikander, Joel Edgerton
  • Director:  David Lowery

59. Dawn of the Planet of the Apes

A sequel to "Rise of the Planet of the Apes," "Dawn of the Planet of the Apes" picks up a decade after the human population has been all but wiped out by the Simian flu. In the wreckage of what remains, intellectually enhanced apes have created a colony and are beginning to take a hard line against the remaining humans. After all, people weren't too kind to these guys before civilization fell. A violent and metaphoric look at humanity's faults, the film is considered one of the best in the "Planet of the Apes" saga. 

  • Starring:  Andy Serkis, Jason Clarke, Gary Oldman
  • Director:  Matt Reeves
  • Year:  2014
  • Runtime:  130 minutes

58. Time Bandits

When an 11-year-old with a love of history and an overactive imagination discovers a magical portal in his bedroom, he embarks on an odyssey through various historical eras with a group of ornery time-traveling dwarves who've abandoned their mission repairing holes in spacetime to rack up riches through the ages. Together, the crew travels through time and space, bumping into historical figures like Robin Hood, King Agamemnon, and Napoleon Bonaparte. A Terry Gilliam production, the film is strange and over-the-top in all of the best ways. 

  • Starring:  John Cleese, Sean Connery, Shelley Duvall
  • Director:  Terry Gilliam
  • Year:  1981

57. King Kong (1933)

One of Hollywood's few pre-Code films, "King Kong" is a beauty-and-the-beast tale that uses stop-motion animation to depict Kong, the monstrously large ape that makes his home on Skull Island, a mysterious land populated with prehistoric creatures. After Kong is captured and brought to New York City, the creature breaks free, absconding with actress Ann Darrow and rampaging through Manhattan. "King Kong" is the widely considered one of the most influential monster films of all time, and its legacy can be seen in many new films today. 

  • Starring:  Fay Wray, Robert Armstrong, Bruce Cabot
  • Director:  Merian C. Cooper, Ernest B. Schoedsack
  • Year:  1933
  • Runtime: 100 minutes
  • Rotten Tomatoes Score: 99%

56. Journey to the Center of the Earth

Based on Jules Verne's classic novel, "Journey to the Center of the Earth" finds a group of explorers traveling far into the planet's interior, where they encounter a vast subterranean world. Deep inside the Earth, they encounter many wonders, including an ocean, dinosaurs, and the lost city of Atlantis. The effects here are incredibly charming in an old-fashioned way, with oversized mushrooms and "dinosaurs" that are actually real-life lizards made to look larger than life.

  • Starring:  James Mason, Pat Boone, Arlene Dahl
  • Director:  Henry Levin
  • Year:  1959
  • Runtime:  132 minutes
  • Rotten Tomatoes Score:  83%

"Avatar" is set in the year 2154, when humanity's reckless environmental habits have finally taken their toll. Amid the ensuing energy crisis, the Resources Development Administration has begun mining an ore called unobtanium on the lush moon Pandora in the Alpha Centauri system. To help communicate with the Na'vi, the blue humanoids who call the planet home, the human representatives use avatars to appear like the locals. But when one human begins falling for both a Na'vi and her way of life, we're taken on the journey of a lifetime. Part "Romeo and Juliet," part critique of imperialism, "Avatar" creates a vivid and imaginative world straight out of James Cameron's sci-fi dreams. 

  • Starring:  Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldaña, Stephen Lang
  • Director:  James Cameron
  • Year:  2009
  • Runtime:  162 minutes

54. Swiss Family Robinson

Based on the 1812 novel by Johann David Wyss, "The Swiss Family Robinson" finds the Robinson family en route from Switzerland to their new home in New Guinea when a pirate attack leaves them stranded on a desert island with two Great Danes. The family learns to survive, in the process encountering animals ranging from an angry tiger to a baby elephant and building the world's most amazing treehouse, complete with its own water wheel.

  • Starring:  John Mills, Dorothy McGuire, James MacArthur
  • Director:  Ken Annakin
  • Year:  1960
  • Rotten Tomatoes Score:   83%

53. The Mask of Zorro

If you're looking for a fun, exciting, sexy time, then you can't go wrong with "The Mask of Zorro." In this 19th-century adventure, the famed masked swordsman is ready to find a protége who's willing to take up the mask and sword in his stead. His new student happens to be Alejandro Murrieta, an uncouth bandit who has a lot to learn about high society and swordplay if he ever wants to get revenge on the man responsible for his brother's death. Of course, he'll also have to deal with the beautiful and dangerous Elena, a noblewoman with a connection to the OG Zorro. Romantic, swashbuckling adventure commences, with plenty of fencing duels, tangoes, and witty repartee.

  • Starring:  Antonio Banderas, Anthony Hopkins , Catherine Zeta-Jones
  • Director:  Martin Campbell
  • Year:  1998
  • Runtime:  136 minutes

52. Men in Black

The '90s was a great decade for sci-fi adventure flicks. For proof, look no further than "Men in Black." Will Smith plays the enthusiastic Agent J, a New York Cop recruited to work for the Men in Black, a secret government organization that monitors and polices alien life forms. Partnered up by Tommy Lee Jones' veteran Agent K, J picks up a neuralyzer — which can erase human memories as needed — and finds himself in a world of talking pugs, coffee-loving ETs, and a cockroach-like alien wreaking havoc in New York.

  • Starring:  Tommy Lee Jones, Will Smith, Linda Fiorentino
  • Director:  Barry Sonnenfeld
  • Year:  1997

51. The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring

The first film in the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy, "The Fellowship of the Ring" finds hobbit Frodo Baggins embarking on his hero's journey to return the evil One Ring to Mordor where it can be destroyed once and for all. With the Fellowship of the Ring to protect him in his task, Frodo travels through treacherous lands, with his long and arduous journey only just beginning. Featuring one of the all-time movie scores from composer Howard Shore, "Fellowship of the Ring" is set against the beautiful vistas of New Zealand and features a host of impressive practical effects, some stirring battle sequences, and plenty of heartfelt emotions.

  • Starring:  Elijah Wood, Ian McKellen, Liv Tyler
  • Runtime:  178 minutes
  • Rotten Tomatoes Score: 91%

50. Flight of the Navigator

After pre-teen David Freeman disappears in 1978, he reappears eight years later without having aged at all. Shortly after, when NASA captures a spaceship, they begin to realize that David was abducted and traveled inside this alien craft to a planet hundreds of light years away. And yet despite this fairly terrifying premise, "Flight of the Navigator" is a surprisingly uplifting family adventure film with a cult following that finds Max on the adventure of his life when he decides climb back aboard the UFO and befriend the intelligent being inside.

  • Starring:  Joey Cramer, Sarah Jessica Parker, Paul Reubens
  • Director:  Randal Kleiser
  • Year:  1986
  • Runtime: 89 minutes

49. Big Fish

A lovely film brimming with imagination, "Big Fish" takes a whole bunch of tall tales and spins them into a lovely little yarn. When an estranged son returns home to see his dying dad, he recounts some of the outlandish flights of fancy his father told him over the years. The stories are beyond unbelievable, with fables touching on witches, giants, and childhood growth spurts so dramatic they left our storyteller bedridden. A tale of familial love, forgiveness, and reconciliation, the film is one of Tim Burton's more emotional ventures. 

  • Starring:  Ewan McGregor, Albert Finney, Billy Crudup
  • Director:  Tim Burton

48. Muppet Treasure Island

A Muppet mayhem-fueled reimagining of Robert Louis Stevenson's classic adventure, "Muppet Treasure Island" is a surprisingly good introduction to the quintessential pirate tale. After an encounter with buccaneer Billy Bones, English orphan Jim Hawkins finds himself the latest owner of a pirate treasure map. Unfortunately for Jim and his Muppet pals, their journey to find said treasure gets them entangled with a crew of greedy pirates who want it for themselves. 

  • Starring:  Tim Curry , Frank Oz, Dave Goelz
  • Director:  Brian Henson
  • Year:  1996
  • Runtime: 99 minutes
  • Rotten Tomatoes Score: 71%

47. Stripes

When perpetually immature cab driver John manages to lose his lady, his apartment, and his job in the span of a few hours, he and his bestie Russell decide to enlist with Uncle Sam. Despite their ridiculous antics during basic training, the pair end up stationed in Italy, where their continued shenanigans land them in the middle of some serious Berlin Wall-era Cold War hijinks. If you're a fan of "Ghostbusters," you'll definitely want to check out this hilarious flick, as it features a lot of the same talent both in front of and behind the camera.

  • Starring:  Bill Murray , Harold Ramis, Warren Oates
  • Director:  Ivan Reitman
  • Rotten Tomatoes Score: 88%

46. Pete's Dragon

A reimagining of Disney's 1977 live-action animated musical, "Pete's Dragon" is the story of a child who bonds with a large green forest-dwelling dragon after losing his parents in a car crash. A metaphor for the challenge of learning to trust again after trauma, "Pete's Dragon" is a heartfelt adventure that's family-friendly and still manages to pack in plenty of depth. 

  • Starring:  Bryce Dallas Howard, Oakes Fegley, Wes Bentley
  • Year:  2016
  • Runtime:  103 minutes
  • Rotten Tomatoes Score:  88%

45. Casablanca

Set in Morocco during World War II, "Casablanca" finds American expatriate and club owner Rick entangled in a dangerous international affair when his former lover Ilsa comes to him for help getting her Czech resistance leader husband out of the country to safety. A tale of star-crossed lovers in a world turned upside down by war, "Casablanca" is widely considered one of the most romantic films of all time.

  • Starring:  Humphrey Bogart, Ingrid Bergman, Paul Henreid
  • Year:  1942
  • Rotten Tomatoes Score:  99%

44. Planet of the Apes

After awakening from deep-space hibernation, misanthropic astronaut George Taylor finds himself on a strange planet where humans have devolved and intelligent apes rule the world. After he's captured and enslaved, Taylor befriends two chimpanzee scientists, but he'll have to convince the all-powerful orangutan Dr. Zaius that humanity is worth saving ... something that might not actually be true. Featuring one of the most shocking endings ever put to film, "Planet of the Apes" is a true adventure classic, one that won an honorary Oscar for its impressive ape make-up.

  • Starring:  Charlton Heston, Roddy McDowall, Maurice Evans
  • Director:  Franklin J. Schaffner
  • Year:  1968
  • Runtime:  112 minutes

43. Romancing the Stone

In "Romancing the Stone," steamy romance novelist Joan Wilder finds herself in the middle of her own real-life romantic adventure when her sister is kidnapped by a pair of skeezy treasure hunters in Colombia. After crossing paths with a bird hunter looking to make a few bucks, the couple end up on the run from corrupt cops in an adventure ripped straight from the pages of a Harlequin. Anyone looking for a lighthearted romp with a few splashy thrills will get a kick out of this very '80s flick.

  • Starring:  Michael Douglas , Kathleen Turner, Danny DeVito

42. Inception

Christopher Nolan's trippy sci-fi adventure "Inception" takes a deep dive into the innerspace of the human subconscious. Dom Cobb is a thief who uses specialized technology to enter dreams and make of with prized information. But when he and his team are hired to implant an idea into the deepest regions of a businessman's mind, things get really dangerous really fast, especially as Dom is haunted by memories that literally follow him. With dreams layered inside dreams, the film is equal parts seat-gripping adventure and philosophical exploration of grief. 

  • Starring:  Leonardo DiCaprio, Elliot Page, Joseph Gordon-Levitt
  • Director:  Christopher Nolan
  • Runtime:  148 minutes
  • Rotten Tomatoes Score:  87%

41. Guardians of the Galaxy

After his 1988 alien abduction, Peter Quill is all grown up and working with the intergalactic team of criminals who absconded with him as a child. But things take a turn when he gets caught up in a fight over an orb that can destroy worlds. After crossing paths with stern assassin Gamora, vengeful Drax the Destroyer, and bounty hunters Groot and Rocket (a friendly tree and a talking raccoon, respectively), Quill teams up with the rag-tag bunch to save the galaxy from the villainous Ronan the Accuser, a zealot with big plans for that aforementioned orb. An equally lighthearted yet emotional adventure in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, "Guardians" doesn't ask its viewers to know the ins and outs of the MCU to enjoy the adventure. 

  • Starring:  Chris Pratt , Zoe Saldaña, Dave Bautista
  • Director:  James Gunn
  • Runtime:  122 minutes

40. Thor: Ragnarok

Thanks in large part to the whimsical brain of Taika Waititi, "Thor: Ragnarok" is a tonally different entry in the Marvel Cinematic Universe in all the right ways. When Thor's family troubles spin out of control, the Norse god finds himself stranded on a trash planet where the campy Grandmaster (played adorably by Jeff Goldblum) pits him against Hulk in a gladiator ring. He'll have to make peace with the big green guy pretty quickly — as well as his tricksy brother Loki and the drunken warrior Valkyrie — if he wants to get back home to Asgard to save it from his sister, the goddess of death.

  • Starring:  Chris Hemsworth, Tom Hiddleston, Cate Blanchett
  • Director:  Taika Waititi
  • Rotten Tomatoes Score: 93%

39. The Last of the Mohicans

Based on James Fenimore Cooper's classic novel, "The Last of the Mohicans" is a stirring adventure tale set in the 18th century. During the French and Indian War, we follow the adventures of Hawkeye, the adopted white son of the Mohican Chingachgook and adopted brother of Uncas, as he gets caught up in the fighting between the French, the British, and the Hurons. If you're a fan of movies like "Collateral" and "Thief," then it will be fascinating to see director Michael Mann trying his hand at a period piece, especially one anchored by a great Daniel Day-Lewis performance and one of the most rousing musical themes you'll ever hear in an adventure film.

  • Starring:   Daniel Day-Lewis , Madeleine Stowe, Eric Schweig
  • Director:  Michael Mann
  • Year:  1992
  • Runtime:  114 minutes

38. The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King

The final film in the "Lord of the Rings" saga, "The Return of the King" finds Frodo finally reaching Mordor after his long and arduous journey. At the same time, Aragorn leads his armies against Sauron's dark forces in an epic battle of good against evil to assist Frodo in the final stage of his journey. A call to bravery and action in the face of darkness and death, the film is a powerful and visually moving tribute to J.R.R. Tolkien's epic tale. It also cleaned house during awards season, winning a staggering 11 Oscars, including Best Picture.

  • Starring:  Elijah Wood, Ian McKellen , Liv Tyler
  • Runtime:  200 minutes

37. The Goonies

In the world of mandatory '80s viewing, "The Goonies" reigns supreme as the ultimate coming-of-age adventure. After a group of kids in Astoria, Oregon, find themselves getting pushed out of their neighborhood by a country club, they decide to embark on a final adventure together in search of pirate One-Eyed Willie's lost treasure. The adventure leads to them into a fantastical subterranean adventure while on the run from a group of gangsters, resulting in a high-energy tale that's packing loads of laughs and genuine sense of childlike wonder. 

  • Starring:  Sean Astin, Josh Brolin, Ke Huy Quan
  • Director:  Richard Donner
  • Year:  1985
  • Runtime:  111 minutes

36. Ben-Hur

Starring Charlton Heston in the title role, "Ben-Hur" is an epic tale of a wealthy Jewish nobleman who finds himself facing off against Roman imperialism in the time of Christ. After his betrayal by a childhood friend, Ben-Hur's fall from grace places him as a galley slave. But once his fortunes start turning, he makes his way back home to become a charioteer ... and to get a little revenge. At the time of its release, "Ben-Hur" was one of the most epic adventures ever made, and even today, the chariot race is an unparalleled piece of action filmmaking.

  • Starring:  Charlton Heston, Jack Hawkins, Haya Harareet
  • Director:  William Wyler
  • Runtime:  203 minutes

35. Stand by Me

Adapted from Stephen King's 1982 novella "The Body," "Stand by Me" is a nostalgic coming-of-age adventure set in 1959, when four friends set out to find the body of a missing boy. On their long hike, our heroes face off with a gang of local hoodlums, a speeding train, leech-filled waters, and their own personal troubles. Lacking any of the supernatural stuff that King is usually known for, "Stand by Me" is a fun adventure flick while also be a contemplative look at grief, death, and the all-too-brief moment of childhood.

  • Starring:  Wil Wheaton, River Phoenix , Corey Feldman
  • Director:  Rob Reiner
  • Runtime:  89 minutes

34. The Jungle Book

The best among about a half-dozen adaptations of Rudyard Kipling's 1894 story collection, "The Jungle Book" is a live-action CGI remake of the 1967 Disney original. The story follows the adventures of Mowgli, who was raised by animals in the jungles of India including the black panther Bagheera, the friendly bear Baloo, and a pack of wolves. Of course, life gets a little complicated with the tiger Shere Khan shows up looking for a snack. Using songs from the original film and boasting voice talent from the likes of Scarlett Johansson, Lupita Nyong'o, and Christopher Walken, "The Jungle Book" is even better than the bare necessities.

  • Starring:  Bill Murray, Ben Kingsley, Idris Elba
  • Director:  Jon Favreau
  • Rotten Tomatoes Score: 94%

33. Close Encounters of the Third Kind

An odyssey for anyone who's dreamed big despite naysayers, "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" finds the planet Earth flush with mysteries of an extraterrestrial origin, from rolling blackouts to chasing after UFOs. Those who experience encounters find themselves drawn to a mysterious site in the middle of nowhere, where the U.S. military plans on greeting Earth's new visitors. 

  • Starring:  Richard Dreyfuss, Teri Garr, Melinda Dillon
  • Year:  1977
  • Runtime:  135 minutes

32. Lawrence of Arabia

Directed by David Lean, "Lawrence of Arabia" recounts the tale of British adventurer and officer T.E. Lawrence. Against the backdrop of World War I, Lawrence makes his way to the deserts of Arabia, where he encounters and advises Prince Faisal during the Great Arab Revolt. Along the way, he befriends the testy Sherif Ali, but as Lawrence's glory grows, so does his outsized ego. And you know what they say about the bigger they are...

"Lawrence of Arabia" is deemed by many directors and critics to be one of the greatest films ever made, with Peter O'Toole's performance lauded as one of the best dramatic performances of all time. Add on some eye-popping cinematography and one of the very best match cuts (literally), and you have an adventure classic for the ages. 

  • Starring:  Peter O'Toole,   Alec Guinness, Anthony Quinn
  • Director:  David Lean
  • Year:  1962
  • Runtime:  216 minutes

31. The Peanut Butter Falcon

When Zak, who has Down syndrome, goes on the lam from a living facility to pursue a career as a wrestler, he ends up on the run with a fisherman named Tyler. Together with facility employee Eleanor, the pair build a raft and take off on an adventure to find Zak's favorite wrestler, Salt Water Redneck. The film is a touching homage to Mark Twain's "Huckleberry Finn," with an optimistic feel that seems rare these days. 

  • Starring:  Shia LaBeouf, Zack Gottsagen, Dakota Johnson
  • Director:  Tyler Nilson, Michael Schwartz
  • Rotten Tomatoes Score: 95%

Even the CIA needs pencil pushers, and 40-year-old Susan Cooper is one of them in "Spy." Normally stuck behind a desk assisting field agent Bradley Fine, Susan gets drawn into her own real-world espionage adventure to track down an errant nuke. Melissa McCarthy is at her best in this giddy tale of tough women taking charge in a world overrun with machismo. 

  • Starring:  Melissa McCarthy, Jason Statham, Rose Byrne
  • Director:  Paul Feig
  • Year:  2015

29. The Secret of Roan Inish

"The Secret of Roan Inish" is a dreamy adventure set in 1946 Ireland in a world where Irish folklore is real. After traveling to live with her grandparents and cousin on the coast of Ulster amid a series of personal tragedies, young Fiona finds herself in a world where humans and nature live in harmony. There, she learns a family legend that an ancestor was once married to a seal-woman, also known as a selkie. A meditative film that looks for magic in a world of heartache and loss, "The Secret of Roan Inish" provides a soulful vision of a world where myth and reality blur beautifully.

  • Starring:  Mick Lally, Eileen Colgan, John Lynch
  • Director:  John Sayles
  • Year:  1994

28. Mad Max: Fury Road

The fourth "Mad Max" film, "Mad Max: Fury Road" is considered by many to be the best in the series. Set in a post-apocalyptic Australia, this standalone movie finds road warrior Max Rockatansky forging an alliance with Imperator Furiosa, a one-armed warrior who's decided to rescue the brides of the despotic Immortan Joe. More than just a dieselpunk fantasy, "Fury Road" is a complex and layered story that manages to find meaning as a feminist anthem and a reimagined Western. It's also perhaps the greatest action movie ever made, complete with wild stunt work, unbelievable worldbuilding, and the greatest 2-hour car chase you will ever see.

  • Starring:  Tom Hardy, Charlize Theron, Nicholas Hoult
  • Director:  George Miller

27. Spirited Away

One of the most beloved Studio Ghibli films, "Spirited Away" finds 10-year-old Chihiro and her parents captured by supernatural beings who reside at an apparently abandoned amusement park. There, she encounters countless supernatural creatures including yōkai, shapeshifters, shikigami, and other various spirits. While trapped in the spirit realm, the child (renamed Sen) comes to care for a spirit named Haku while also hoping to break a curse that has turned her parents into pigs and led to her own enslavement. 

  • Starring:  Rumi Hiiragi, Miyu Irino, Mari Natsuki
  • Director:  Hayao Miyazaki

26. Big Trouble in Little China

When trucker Jack Burton and his friend Wang Chi go to pick up the latter's fiancée at the airport, the pair end up ensnared in a Chinatown gang conflict that involves a Chinese crime lord, ancient magic, and two warring factions of Chinese warriors with supernatural abilities. Wacky, over the top, and frequently nonsensical in the best way possible, "Big Trouble in Little China" offers no shortage of adventure and remains a cult favorite for many cinema lovers. Plus, it does an amazing job skewering the whole "white savior" concept, as Jack Burton is completely useless and Wang Chi is the most capable guy in the whole movie.

  • Starring:  Kurt Russell , Kim Cattrall, Dennis Dun
  • Director:  John Carpenter

25. The Matrix

The film that popularized the concept of simulation theory and introduced terms and concepts like "bullet time" and (inadvertently) "the red pill," "The Matrix" is part cyberpunk reimagining of Lewis Carroll's "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland," part philosophical exploration of cognitive dissonance, part critique of the world's overdependence on technology. The film finds computer programmer Neo traveling down an existential rabbit hole when he encounters Morpheus and Trinity, who help him realize that most of humanity lives in a virtual world where they have been enslaved by intelligent machines. If he wants to find freedom, he'll have to don a pair of sunglasses, learn kung fu, and become "the One."

  • Starring:  Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne, Carrie-Anne Moss
  • Director:  The Wachowskis
  • Year:  1999
  • Rotten Tomatoes Score:  88%

24. Mary Poppins

Based on P. L. Travers' 1934 children's book, "Mary Poppins" is a live-action animated Disney film that follows the adventures of a British nanny with fantastical abilities and a taste for whimsy. A lesson in the importance of relating to children as intelligent beings with their own minds, "Mary Poppins" finds the eponymous nanny whisking her two young wards around London on magical adventures while at the same time teaching them the importance of responsibility and recognizing other's struggles in life. 

  • Starring:  Julie Andrews, Dick Van Dyke, David Tomlinson
  • Director:  Robert Stevenson
  • Year:  1964
  • Runtime:  140 minutes

23. Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom

In the second and easily most problematic film in the "Indiana Jones" series, the titular character takes a break from fighting Nazis and, on the run from a Shanghai crime boss, ends up narrowly escaping a crashing plane in the Himalayas with his young friend Short Round and nightclub singer Willie. The road to adventure leads the trio to northern India, where they end up stumbling onto a dangerous Thuggee cult who enjoy pastimes such as practicing human sacrifice. Despite its darker tone and the annoying persona of Willie, the film is still one of the better cinematic adventures made to date, complete with a white-knuckle mine cart chase. 

  • Starring:  Harrison Ford , Kate Capshaw, Ke Huy Quan
  • Rotten Tomatoes Score: 84%

22. Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle

A sequel to the 1995 board game-themed film starring Robin Williams, "Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle" finds four high school kids getting full-on Breakfast Clubbed when they're sent to detention — only here, they end up getting sucked into the video game version of "Jumanji." Inside their simulated reality, they're transformed into their avatars as they try to understand the game mechanics and stay alive long enough to hopefully return to the real world. 

  • Starring:  Dwayne Johnson , Kevin Hart, Karen Gillan
  • Director:  Jake Kasdan
  • Rotten Tomatoes Score : 76%

21. Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade

"Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade" finds the famed archaeologist on a quest to track down his lost father Henry Jones, who went missing while searching for the Holy Grail. His journey takes him through Venetian catacombs to the tomb of a First Crusade knight, from a Nazi-infested Austrian castle to the fictional Canyon of the Crescent Moon, where he encounters several traps and tests that lead him to the Holy Grail. The third "Indiana Jones" sequel coming directly after the dark, unsettling "Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom," this film is heavy on the lighthearted humor and adventure that made "Raiders of the Lost Ark" a classic, and the cranky yet charming relationship between Harrison Ford and Sean Connery is hilarious.

  • Starring:  Harrison Ford, John Rhys-Davies, Sean Connery
  • Year:  1989

20. Ghostbusters

When a trio of parapsychologists lose their university gig, they decide to start a new company investigating paranormal occurrences and eliminating ghosts with the help of proton packs and nuclear-powered containment tech. When business picks up, they end up hiring a fourth team member. Things are looking great until the Ghostbusters run afoul of the EPA, resulting in a mishap that floods the city with captured ghosts and supernatural beings including the demigod Zuul and Gozer, the shapeshifting god of destruction. Creative, comedic, and completely ridiculous, "Ghostbusters" is a totally '80s adventure. 

  • Starring:  Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd , Sigourney Weaver
  • Runtime:  107 minutes

19. Joe Versus the Volcano

"Joe Versus the Volcano" is one of those hidden cult gems that far too few people have had the pleasure of viewing, and it's full of hilarious quotable moments and charming banter to spare. After miserable Staten Island rectal probe factory worker/hypochondriac Joe Banks is told that he has a terminal "brain cloud," he quits his job and accepts an offer from a wealthy businessman to throw himself into a volcano on the tropical island of Waponi Woo. Along the way, he bonds with the industrialist's daughters, Angelica and Patricia (both played by Meg Ryan), and encounters the finest luggage money can buy. 

  • Starring:  Tom Hanks, Meg Ryan, Abe Vigoda
  • Director:  John Patrick Shanley
  • Year:  1990
  • Rotten Tomatoes Score: 65%

18. The Hunger Games

Based on the dystopian novel series by Susan Collins, "The Hunger Games" is set in Panem, a future North American nation that sees 12 districts living under the oppressive rule of the Capitol elites. Each year, the districts are forced to send tributes who fight to the death in a televised event that leaves only one remaining survivor. When Katniss Everdeen volunteers to take her sister's place, she finds herself trapped in a deadly game where everyone is out to kill her, especially the Head Gamemaker. Drawing on mythological elements and Roman gladiatorial games, the film offers plenty of adventure yet still contains enough interesting layers to make it ripe for interpretation. 

  • Starring:  Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth
  • Director:  Gary Ross
  • Runtime:  142 minutes

17. The Neverending Story

"The Neverending Story" is a love letter to anyone who's ever felt more at home in a good book than facing the mundane struggles of everyday life. Based on Michael Ende's 1979 novel, the story follows the adventures of 10-year-old Bastian Bux, who steals a magical book from a store after running inside to hide from bullies. Cutting class to hide in the school's attic and read all day, Bastian gets absorbed in the book about an evil force eating away at the magical land of Fantasia, a world built by human imagination. When Bastian's thoughts and actions as the reader begin to impact the story, he begins to realize that he holds the key to saving Fantasia. 

  • Starring:  Noah Hathaway, Barret Oliver, Tami Stronach
  • Director:  Wolfgang Peterson

16. The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe

An adaptation of C.S. Lewis' classic tale, 2005's "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe" follows the adventures of four siblings who travel through that titular enchanted wardrobe into the magical kingdom of Narnia. In the absence of its ruler Aslan, the once-glorious kingdom has been gradually turned to winter by the villainous White Witch. Heeding the call to adventure, the four siblings help lead an army against her.

  • Starring:  Tilda Swinton, Liam Neeson, Anna Popplewell
  • Director:  Andrew Adamson
  • Rotten Tomatoes Score: 76%

15. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

"Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" is a magical journey into Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, where children with a magical aptitude are placed into one of four houses and trained in the use of magic. The story is told through the eyes of the eponymous protagonist, an abused, bespectacled orphan who learns that his parents were important in the wizarding world and died at the hands of the dark wizard Lord Voldemort, whose attempt to kill the infant Harry left him with a notorious lightning bolt scar. The film, which follows J.K. Rowling's book closely, addresses the importance of finding acceptance as an outcast and of refusing to give ground to those who would harm others. 

  • Starring:  Daniel Radcliffe , Rupert Grint, Emma Watson
  • Director:  Chris Columbus
  • Runtime:  152 minutes

14. Labyrinth

When it comes to cult classics, few are loved more feverishly than the 1986 fantasy film "Labyrinth," which stars an uncomfortably sexy David Bowie as Jareth the Goblin King, a teenage Jennifer Connelly, a whole lot of freaky-looking Muppets, and one of the dreamiest costume collections in cinematic history. When the teenage Sarah is more interested in her fantasy book than babysitting her crying infant half-sibling Toby, Jareth answers her frustrated plea that goblins should steal her baby brother away. As is often the case with teenagers, Sarah immediately regrets her impulsiveness and embarks on a maddening quest through Jareth's labyrinth to get Toby back. 

  • Starring:  David Bowie, Jennifer Connelly, Toby Froud
  • Director:  Jim Henson
  • Rotten Tomatoes Score:  74%

13. The Fifth Element

A vivid and whimsical trip through Luc Besson's imagination, "The Fifth Element" is a 23rd-century adventure that finds rough-around-the-edges cabbie Korben Dallas assisting a strange orange-haired woman named Leeloo who falls from a building into his cab. Together with the help of priest Vito Cornelius, they work to stop an evil weapon from destroying Earth. While the film doesn't make a whole lot of sense, it's a zippy adventure through a fascinating future brimming with wild aliens and Jean-Paul Gaultier fashions. 

  • Starring:  Bruce Willis, Gary Oldman, Milla Jovovich
  • Director:  Luc Besson
  • Runtime:  126 minutes
  • Rotten Tomatoes Score: 70%

12. The Adventures of Robin Hood

A Technicolor imagining of the Saxon legend, "The Adventures of Robin Hood" is set in 12th-century England and finds nobleman Sir Robin of Locksley leading the fight against oppressors working on the authority of pretender Prince John, who's taken over in the absence of abducted King Richard. A romantic and exciting swashbuckler of a film, "The Adventures of Robin Hood" would become the template for all future adaptations of the story, leaving an indelible mark on Western pop culture. 

  • Director:  Michael Curtiz, William Keighley
  • Year:  1938

11. Back to the Future

The ultimate time travel story, "Back to the Future" tells the tale of Marty McFly, whose adventures with his slightly mad (but in a good way) scientist friend Doc Emmett Brown leave him stranded in 1955, where he almost immediately sabotages his own future after a run-in with his parents. Teaming up with the Doc Brown of 1955, Marty has to work to send himself back to the future while making a love connection between his parents so he doesn't wipe himself out of existence. A wild and wonderful adventure, the impact of "Back to the Future" cannot be overstated, from its role in popularizing skateboarding as a mainstream activity to its influence on television shows like "Rick and Morty" and "12 Monkeys."

  • Starring:  Michael J. Fox, Christopher Lloyd, Lea Thompson
  • Runtime:  116 minutes

10. Stardust

Adapted from the 1999 Neil Gaiman fantasy novel, "Stardust" tells the fantastical tale of romantic underdog Tristan, who travels into an enchanted land via a magical candle left for him by his mother. The motive for his quest? He hopes to retrieve a fallen star for a woman he's pursuing. Despite learning that the star is in the form of woman who calls herself Yvaine, Tristan captures the star anyway, imprisoning her with an unbreakable chain. Along their journey back to Tristan's village, the pair are pursued by three witches who plan to eat Yvaine's heart. Full of magic and Gaimanesque mythology, "Stardust" is a lovely little adventure with a fairy-tale feel and includes an outstanding performance from Michelle Pfeiffer. 

  • Starring:  Claire Danes, Charlie Cox, Sienna Miller
  • Director:  Matthew Vaughn
  • Rotten Tomatoes Score: 77%

9. E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial

In a world where extra-terrestrials are often portrayed as menacing colonizers or monsters, "E.T." is a rare reminder that not everything strange is malevolent. When a group of alien botanists visits the planet Earth, one gets left behind after a run-in with the U.S. government. While hiding in a San Fernando Valley neighborhood, the creature is discovered by 10-year-old Elliott, who befriends the little guy. Together with his sister Gertie and brother Michael, Elliott hides the alien, who calls himself "E.T.," until the government intervenes. The film is a heartfelt metaphor for the importance of communication in overcoming differences.

  • Starring:  Henry Thomas, Dee Wallace, Peter Coyote
  • Year:  1982

8. Star Trek

Despite being somewhat controversial among the fandom, "Star Trek" is an enjoyable reboot of the original series that doesn't detract from the overall "Trek" canon. That's thanks to a little alternate timeline magic (dubbed the "Kelvin timeline" by "Trek" fans). So even after the Romulan ship Narada travels back in time under the command of the vengeful Nero and kills the families Kirk and Spock, this alternate yet still iconic pair still end up together aboard the USS Enterprise under the leadership of Captain Christopher Pike. Tonally darker than the original "Star Trek" series, the film is nonetheless a fitting tribute to one of the Federation's finest crews. 

  • Starring:  Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, John Cho
  • Director:  J.J. Abrams

7. The Mummy

"The Mummy" finds dreamy 1920s adventurer Rick O'Connell working with wannabe Egyptologist and librarian Evelyn Carnahan and her brother Jonathan on a quest to find Hamunaptra, the City of the Dead. When Evelyn reads from the Book of the Dead near a tomb, she accidentally awakens a long-dormant curse, unleashing the mummified high priest Imhotep on the world, who in turn unleashes ten plagues on Egypt. On the run from Imhotep, the group must work together using their collective book smarts to defeat the ancient villain. 

  • Starring:  Brendan Fraser , Rachel Weisz, John Hannah
  • Director:  Stephen Sommers
  • Rotten Tomatoes Score: 61%

6. The Wizard of Oz

A vivid and imaginative musical adaptation of Frank L. Baum's 1900 children's book, "The Wizard of Oz" is one of the most culturally influential fantasy films of all time. When Kansas teenager Dorothy and her dog Toto don't make it into the storm shelter ahead of a tornado, they're blown away to a strange land called Oz. Here, Dorothy immediately earns the ire of the Wicked Witch and the praise of the locals due to circumstances completely beyond her control. While traveling through Oz in search of a way home, Dorothy befriends the Scarecrow, the Cowardly Lion, and the Tin Man, who join her on her journey. The film resonates with viewers for a variety of reasons and is sometimes seen as a metaphor for the personal journey to find truth and enlightenment, and it fits perfectly with Pink Floyd's "Dark Side of the Moon."

  • Starring:  Judy Garland, Frank Morgan, Ray Bolger
  • Director:  Victor Fleming
  • Rotten Tomatoes Score: 98%

5. Spartacus

Stanley Kubrick's epic historical drama "Spartacus" recounts the tale of the titular historical figure, a Thracian slave thrust into greatness during a period when the Roman Republic is on the slippery slope to its own demise. When Spartacus is shipped off to gladiatorial school, he leads his fellow slaves in an uprising, building an army that Rome can't seem to put down no matter how many legions they send.

  • Starring:  Kirk Douglas, Laurence Olivier, Jean Simmons
  • Director:  Stanley Kubrick
  • Runtime:  184 minutes

4. Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back

"The Empire Strikes Back" represents "Star Wars" at its best. The film, set a few years after the Death Star's destruction, finds the Imperial fleet finally catching up with the Rebels on the frozen planet Hoth. After his escape, Luke travels to Dagobah, where he trains to use the Force under the guidance of Jedi master Yoda, preparing to face off against Darth Vader. Things turn from bad to worse for the Rebels, setting the stage for the epic face-off in "The Return of the Jedi," giving us one of cinema's greatest twists, and resulting in perhaps the most exciting lightsaber battle in "Star Wars" history.

  • Starring:  Carrie Fisher, Mark Hamill , Harrison Ford
  • Director:  Irvin Kershner
  • Year:  1980

3. The Princess Bride

Based on the 1973 William Goldman novel, "The Princess Bride" is the romantic and comedic tale of Buttercup, who falls in love with Westley, a farmhand always answers her demands with a dreamy "as you wish." After Westley leaves to make his fortune so they can afford to get hitched, his ship comes under attack by the Dread Pirate Roberts, whose claim to fame is that he doesn't leave survivors. A few years later when the brokenhearted Buttercup finds herself forced to marry the murderous Prince Humperdinck, she finds herself kidnapped and then kidnapped from her kidnappers only to learn that Westley is still alive. Packed full of charming performances, quotable dialogue, and memorable characters, "The Princess Bride" is one of the best adventures ever filmed. 

  • Starring:  Robin Wright, Cary Elwes, Mandy Patinkin

2. Raiders of the Lost Ark

The first in the "Indiana Jones" series, "Raiders of the Lost Ark" finds archaeologist-adventurer Indiana Jones striving to stay a step ahead of the Nazis on their quest for global domination via the biblical Ark of the Covenant. With his mentor's hard-drinking and hard-fisted daughter at his side, Indy travels to Egypt, hoping to find the all-powerful Ark before the Germans can get their hands on it. Complete with plenty of witty dialogue-fueled romance, mysterious ancient booby traps, and some of the best stunts in cinema history, "Raiders of the Lost Ark" is the ultimate treasure hunters' tale. 

  • Starring:  Harrison Ford, Karen Allen, Paul Freeman

1. The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers

The second film in the "Lord of the Rings" series and the best in the trilogy, "The Two Towers" finds the Fellowship of the Ring split, with Frodo and Sam continuing the trek to Mordor and Merry and Pippin planning an attack on Saruman's fortress. Elsewhere, Legolas, Aragorn, Gimli reunite with an old mystical friend. Spectacular and emotional, the film is a beautiful tribute to J.R.R. Tolkien's epic tale, and it all leads up to one of the greatest showdowns in cinematic history — the Battle of Helm's Deep. When it comes to battle scenes, they don't get any better than this one. Plus, the movie introduced us to the mo-cap wonder that is Gollum, a character who still haunts our memories with his calls of "my precious."

  • Year:  2002
  • Runtime:  179 minutes

The Packable Life

47 Thrilling Adventure Movies for Travelers & Thrill Seekers

Collage of seven different adventure movie scenes, including: Long Way Round, Into the Wild, Midnight in Paris, The Bucket List, Thelma & Louise, and more

Are you eager to add some adventure to your life? First, use this list to find vicarious inspiration from the best adventure movies out there. I’ve gathered films and documentaries that are travel- and outdoor-themed adventures, to fit with the spirit of this blog.

We’ll kick off this list with movies spanning everything from decades-old classics to modern treasures. And if real-life stories are more your jam, check out the second half of our list, which covers several of our favorite new and exciting documentaries.

You’ll find options similar to my all-time favorites: The Grand Budapest Hotel for its charming world-building, Cloudburst for adventures not bound by age, and Free Solo for staggering real-world accomplishments.

If you’re a traveler or thrill seeker, my list of the best adventure movies definitely has something for your next movie night. It may even inspire you to get off the couch and hit the road running on an adventure of your own.

Best Adventure Movies

This first section of our list will take you through a mix of original screenplays, novel adaptations, and artistic retellings of real-life events. Regardless of your cinematic preferences, you’ll find an adventure movie here that suits your tastes.

Into the Wild (2007)

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Based on the real-life story of Christoper McCandless, Into the Wild chronicles his solo attempts to live off the land in the Alaskan wilderness. With this flick, you’re in for an accurate and thoughtful depiction of the joys, sorrows, and costs of trying to make that dream a reality.

Starring : Vince Vaughn, Katerine Keener, Emilie Hirsch Director : Sean Penn Runtime : 2h 28m

Motorcycle Diaries (2004)

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The stereotypical idyllic motorcycle trip through South America becomes so much more in this film as it covers the formative early years of Che Guevara through a mix of joyful road-tripping and exploration of social injustices that formed the ethos of the revolutionary figure.

Pro Tip : Read about our founder, Noel’s motorbike adventures through Vietnam to get you primed and ready for a viewing of Motorcycle Diaries.

Starring : Gael García Bernal, Rodrigo de la Serna, Mía Maestro Director : Walter Salles Runtime : 2h 6m

Stand by Me (1986)

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Stephen King fans look no further; this adaptation of his novella is a coming-of-age story of four young boys who traverse through forests and over railroad bridges to find a missing boy’s body, but also find themselves on a journey of self-discovery.

Full of whimsy and nostalgia, Stand by Me captures a bygone era of kids striking out to make their own adventures in sleepy American towns. It gets bonus points from this Oregonian for being set in the fictional town of Castlerock, Oregon.

Starring : Will Wheaton, River Phoenix, Corey Feldman Director : Rob Reiner Runtime : 1h 29m

Hunt for the Wilderpeople (2016)

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Taika Waititi’s ability to make quirky, heart-warming movies is on full display in this story about a misfit boy and his reluctant foster uncle traversing through the New Zealand bush while being part of a national manhunt. You might laugh and cry while watching this hidden indie gem.

Starring : Sam Neill, Julian Dennison, Rima te Wiata Director : Taika Waititi Runtime : 1h 41m

Wild (2014)

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It’s no secret that hiking and backpacking are big themes on this blog, and Wild is one of Hollywood’s rare depictions of trail life. Reese Witherspoon stars as Cheryl, who, after having her life fall apart, turns to the Pacific Crest Trail to try and pick up the pieces of her life.

This story will resonate strongly for any reader who has turned to nature for healing and free therapy. It might just motivate you to start planning your own through-hike. If you need further inspiration, check out our guides to both the Appalachian Trail and the Inca Trail .

Starring : Reese Witherspoon, Laura Dern, Gaby Hoffmann Director : Jean-Marc Vallée Runtime : 1h 55m

Deliverance (1972)

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Our first aquatic entry is a ’70s thriller about the efforts of four friends to canoe down the Cahulawassee River before it’s dammed. The adventure quickly goes awry and would easily rank #1 on our list of real-life worst travel stories .

Starring : Jon Voight, Burt Reynolds, Ned Beatty Director : John Boorman Runtime : 1h 49m

O Brother, Where Art Thou? (2000)

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O Brother, Where Art Thou  is worth watching for the soundtrack alone, as it has the rare distinction of being one of the few original movie soundtracks to win an Album of the Year Grammy award.

Beyond the music, this Coen brother’s film is one of the strongest entries in their filmography. The comedy-drama follows three escaped convicts and their pursuit of freedom and buried treasure on a journey full of escapades and quirky characters.

Starring : George Clooney, John Turturro, Tim Blake Nelson Directors : Joel Coen, Ethan Coan Runtime : 1h 47m

On the Road (2012)

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Jack Keruoac’s 1957 novel inspired an entire generation and captured the essence of the longing for the road, going West, and finding purpose in non-conformity. Though the 2012 adaptation is by no means perfect, it’s worth seeing such an iconic piece of American literature adapted to the big screen.

Starring : Sam Riley, Garrett Hedlund, Kristen Stewart Director : Walter Salles Runtime : 2h 4m

The Revenant (2015)

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If a bear fights Leonardo DiCaprio in the woods and no one is there to see it, does he still finally win an Oscar? The answer to that is yes, although the stunning cinematography of the 1820s frontier is just as pivotal to The Revenant’s magic as Leo’s award-winning performance in a brutal story of survival and revenge.

Starring : Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Hardy, Will Poulter Director : Alejandro G. Iñárritu Runtime : 2h 36m

A Walk in the Woods (2015)

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The second thru-hiking entry on our list jumps cross country to cover an adventure on the other great north-to-south American trek: the Appalachian Trail. Robert Redford and Nick Nolte delight in this buddy comedy-drama of two older and wholly unprepared friends biting off more than they can chew.

Starring : Robert Redford, Nick Nolte, Emma Thompson Director : Ken Kwapis Runtime : 1h 44m

Touching the Void (2003)

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Based on the actual ascent of the Silua Grande by Joe Simpson and Simon Yates, this docudrama captures the terrifying struggle to survive in harsh mountain conditions when things go terribly wrong.

Though climbing documentaries are plentiful nowadays, this film remains a rare Hollywood entry focused on mountain climbers and the dangers they face in pursuing peaks and glory.

Starring : Simon Yates, Joe Simpson, Brendan Makey Director : Kevin Macdonald Runtime : 1h 46m

The Way (2011)

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A grieving father, Tom, takes up the banner of his late son and attempts to complete the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage in his honor. Full of beautiful vistas of France and Spain, The Way skillfully captures the camaraderie one can find even amongst strangers when walking together for days on end.

Starring : Martin Sheen, Emilio Estevez, Deborah Kara Unger Director : Emilio Estevez Runtime : 2h 3m

Y Tu Mamá También (2001)

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This seminal entry into Mexican cinema is a raunchy Spanish language coming-of-age story of two teenage boys who embark on a road trip with an older woman. The second foreign language film on our list is well worth brushing off your freshman-year Spanish or throwing on the subtitles.

Starring : Maribel Verdú, Gael García Bernal, Daniel Giménez Cacho Director : Alfonso Cuarón Runtime : 1h 46m

One Week (2008)

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After being diagnosed with cancer and facing his own mortality, Ben Tyler decides to take a motorcycle trip across Canada. For those who love to travel, long voyages are often reflective and transformative. One Week poignantly explores those themes against the beautiful backdrop of the Canadian wilderness.

Starring : Joshua Jackson, Peter Spence, Marc Strange Director : Michael McGowan Runtime : 1h 34m

Everest (2015)

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The unfortunate nature of disasters makes for compelling stories, and Everest is the second entry on our list to recount a mountaineering expedition gone terribly awry.

Based on the 1996 climbing season, the movie dramatizes the tale of two expedition groups and the fateful May day that immortalized the unforgiving brutality of the Himalayan mountains.

Starring : Jason Clarke, Ang Phula Sherpa, Thomas M. Wright Director : Baltasar Kormákur Runtime : 2h 1m

The Bucket List (2007)

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Be ready for both laughs and tears in this film about two elderly gentlemen diagnosed with terminal cancer. Morgan Freeman and Jack Nicholson star as an oddball duo who set off for one hell of a final ride. They’re sure to inspire you to start checking off items on your own bucket list.

Starring : Jack Nicholson, Morgan Freeman, Sean Hayes Director : Rob Reiner Runtime : 1h 37m

Cast Away (2000)

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What would you name your pet volleyball after being stranded on an island and coming close to losing your mind? If your answer is anything besides Wilson, prioritize watching this Tom Hanks classic about a FedEx analyst who is the lone survivor of a plane wreck in the middle of the ocean.

Starring : Tom Hanks, Helen Hunt, Paul Sanchez Director : Robert Zemeckis Runtime : 2h 23m

The Beach (2000)

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Take a break from the countless forests and mountains covered in our list with this thriller about a young man named Richard, played by Leonardo DiCaprio, who sets off to find a hidden paradise on an uninhabited island off the coast of Thailand.

Starring : Leonardo DiCaprio, Tilda Swinton, Daniel York Director : Danny Boyle Runtime : 1h 59m

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013)

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Ben Stiller will enchant you with a wonderfully bizarre blend of real adventures and daydreaming in his role as Walter Mitty. If you’re feeling bogged down by the constant drone of office life, throw on this movie for just the right amount of surreal escapism.

Starring : Ben Stiller, Kristen Wiig, Jon Daly Director : Ben Stiller Runtime : 1h 54m

Midnight in Paris (2011)

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Paris has long been a classic adventure destination, but what would you do with the chance to explore the city more than a century ago? Woody Allen’s prodigious filmmaking career is highlighted by this delightful tribute to a writer’s (literally) magical journey through Paris in both the past and present.

Starring : Owen Wilson, Rachel McAdams, Kathy Bates Director : Woody Allen Runtime : 1h 34m

Cloudburst (2011)

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Getting older doesn’t mean you have to give up adventuring. Cloudburst is a hilarious and lovely entry about an elderly lesbian couple going to Canada to get married after escaping from their nursing home.

Along the way, they pick up a young male hitchhiker, and all three bond as plenty of hijinks ensue. As far as indie films go, they don’t get much better than this, and it’s a personal favorite of mine.

Starring : Olympia Dukakis, Brenda Fricker, Kristin Booth Director : Thom Fitzgerald Runtime : 1h 33m

Little Miss Sunshine (2006)

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Van life presents all sorts of unexpected challenges that are only magnified when you try to shove several generations of dysfunctional families into a yellow Volkswagen bus for a cross-country journey to take your daughter to a beauty pageant.

A great ensemble cast captures the frenetic nature of family road trips and all the ways it can cause squabbles while ultimately bringing the family closer together.

Starring : Steve Carell, Toni Collette, Greg Kinnear Directors : Jonathan Dayton, Valerie Faris Runtime : 1h 41m

Slumdog Millionaire (2008)

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One of the finest rag-to-riches stories about a young man from Mumbai trying to make his fortunes on the Indian version of “Who Wants to be a Millionaire.” Told through flashbacks, the film expertly weaves multiple timelines toward a satisfying payoff.

Starring : Dev Patel, Freida Pinto, Saurabh Shukla Directors : Danny Boyle, Loveleen Tandan Runtime : 2h

The Darjeeling Limited (2007)

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One of the early entries in Wes Anderson’s career follows three estranged brothers who go on a train journey through India in an attempt to reconnect after their father’s death. Wes Anderson’s distinct visual style will have you itching to book your own train ticket.

Starring : Owen Wilson, Adrien Brody, Jason Schwartzman Director : Wes Anderson Runtime : 1h 31m

Thelma & Louise (1991)

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A simple fishing weekend getaway for two women becomes far more complicated when they stop midway at a roadside bar. The film is iconic for its feminism and delves into dark, complex issues in a rare way for the often lighthearted travel genre.

Starring : Susan Sarandon, Geena Davis, Harvey Keitel Director : Ridley Scott Runtime : 2h 10m

Lion (2016)

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We’ve all used Google Maps to daydream about our next adventure, but Lion takes it one step further as it tells the real-life story of a young Indian boy named Saroo, who gets lost and adopted at the age of five and 20 years later tries to find his home village by hunting for clues on Google Earth.

Starring : Dev Patel, Nicole Kidman, Rooney Mara Director : Garth Davis Runtime : 1h 58m

Grand Budapest Hotel (2014)

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Our second Wes Anderson entry also takes my personal award as his finest film to date. Set in a fictional luxury hotel in 1930s Europe, the story follows a flamboyant concierge and his young protege who get embroiled in a case of a stolen painting and a family inheritance.

The world-building in the Grand Budapest Hotel is impeccable, and the star-studded cast delivers on all fronts for an eminently rewatchable tale. I can’t recommend this film enough as an intro to Wes Anderson’s unique library of work.

Starring : Ralph Fiennes, F. Murray Abraham, Mathieu Amalric Director : Wes Anderson Runtime : 1h 39m

Out of Africa (1985)

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Winner of seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Meryl Streep stars in a slow burn that is as much a love story with Africa as it is a romance. With the stunning backdrop of Kenya, the film rewards nature lovers just as much as enjoyers of a dramatic, simmering romance.

Starring : Meryl Streep, Robert Redford, Klaus Maria Brandauer Director : Sydney Pollack Runtime : 2h 41m

The Way Back (2010)

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As a first-generation refugee immigrant from Russia, The Way Back resonates particularly strongly for me as it chronicles the escape of a group of prisoners from a Siberian gulag who traverse thousands of miles to find freedom and safety in India.

Starring : Jim Sturgess, Ed Harris, Colin Farrell Director : Peter Weir Runtime : 2h 13m

Tracks (2013)

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Harsh terrain can play host to some of the world’s most incredible adventures as it innately provides an element of risk and danger, and nowhere does this hold true as much as the desolate stretches of Australia.

The true life story of Robyn Davidson’s solo trek across the Australian desert alongside her camels and dog is both moving and full of phenomenal cinematography that will leave you with a newfound appreciation of desert beauty.

Starring : Mia Wasikowska, Adam Driver, Lily Pearl Director : John Curran Runtime : 1h 52m

7 Years in Tibet (1997)

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A movie about a mountain climber that doesn’t focus on mountain climbing may seem odd, but this true story of Austrian mountaineer Heinrich Harrer and his unlikely friendship with the Dalai Lama is a fascinating historical snapshot.

Starring : Brad Pitt, David Thewlis, BD Wong Director : Jean-Jacques Annaud Runtime : 2h 16m

Lawrence of Arabia (1962)

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Take a journey to the Middle East with a film often lauded as one of the most remarkable pieces of filmmaking. Follow along with T.E. Lawrence’s journey through the Ottoman Empire and his conflicting allegiances between his native Britain and the friends he’s made in the Arabian desert tribes.

Starring : Peter O’Toole, Alec Guinness, Anthony Quinn Director : David Lean Runtime : 3h 38m

The Goonies (1985)

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Being raised in Oregon, it didn’t take long until I was swept up by the cult following of The Goonies , set in the little coastal town of Astoria in my home state.

If you’ve enjoyed the global phenomena of the ’80s nostalgia of Stranger Things , watch one of its inspirations that tells the story of four young boys, an old pirate treasure map, and their quest to find gold and save their neighborhood.

Starring : Sean Astin, Josh Brolin, Jeff Cohen Director : Richard Donner Runtime : 1h 54m

Jumanji (1995)

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Fantasy and adventure come together in the first Jumanji entry about a magical board game that pits two siblings against wild creatures and challenges in the real world. With so many “serious” adventures highlighted on our list, this classic Robin Williams portrayal provides some very welcome levity as a contrast.

Starring : Robin Williams, Kirsten Dunst, Bonnie Hunt Director : Joe Johnston Runtime : 1h 44m

Life of Pi (2012)

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A second entry with heavy overtones of fantasy tells the story of Pi Patel, a young boy stranded at sea after a shipwreck, along with a Bengal tiger named Richard Parker. Is it fantasy? Is it real? Perhaps the answer doesn’t matter nearly as much as the spiritual and emotional journey.

Starring : Suraj Sharma, Irrfan Khan, Adil Hussain Director : Ang Lee Runtime : 2h 7m

Nomadland (2020)

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What does it mean to be a nomad? Explore the essence of a community that strives to live outside convention through Fern’s eyes, a woman who distills her life to its simplest form by traveling the American West in her van after her hometown goes under during the recession.

Starring : Frances McDormand, David Strathairn, Linda May Director : Chloé Zhao Runtime : 1h 47m

Indiana Jones Series (1981 – 2023)

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With five entries spanning 40+ years, the Indiana Jones movies are quintessential entries in the adventure genre.

Regardless of which film in the series you pick, you’ll get plenty of Harrison Ford starring in globe-trotting quests for ancient artifacts. Newcomers should start where it all began: The Raiders of the Lost Ark.

Starring : Harrison Ford and others Director : Steven Spielberg and others Runtime : Varies by movie

Best Adventure Documentaries

Fictional or dramatized adventures have their own place, but sometimes you’d prefer to see some real-life footage of the crazy, mind-blowing, first-of-their-kind adventures we humans are capable of. Here are some of the very best to get you started.

Free Solo (2018)

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Alex Honnold is the rare climber who has become a household name alongside such sport greats as Messi, Jordan, and Brady. But what Alex achieved had never been done before: climbing the 3,000-foot face of El Capitan in Yosemite without any safety equipment.

One of the best climbing documentaries ever made has a bit of everything: a gripping narrative, a mind-boggling achievement, and some of the finest cinematography of Yosemite National Park you can find anywhere.

Starring : Alex Honnold, Tommy Caldwell, Jimmy Chin Directors : Jimmy Chin, Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi Runtime : 1h 40m

The Endurance (2000)

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The 1914 attempt by Ernest Shackleton to be the first man to cross the Antarctic continent on foot would be hard to believe if not for the fantastic stories and footage that he brought back and are on full display in this documentary.

If you’re curious about what it takes to survive in one of the coldest and most desolate areas on Earth, or simply love historical accounts of early explorers, The Endurance is the place to start.

Starring : Liam Neeson, Julian Ayer, John Blackborow Director : George Butler Runtime : 1h 37m

180° South (2010)

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Part road trip, part mountain climbing, and part meditation on environmental responsibility, 180° South documents Jeff Johnson’s attempt to recreate the 1968 journey of Yvon Chouinard (founder of Patagonia) and Doug Tompkins to climb the Fitz Roy, in Patagonia.

Rather than glorifying the act of adventuring itself, the documentary dives into the philosophical nature of why we crave adventure and how to make it meaningful on an individual level.

Starring : Yvon Chouinard, Doug Tompkins, Keith Malloy Director : Chris Malloy Runtime : 1h 25m

The Barkley Marathons: The Race That Eats Its Young (2015)

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At one point, medical professionals claimed that even a marathon was too long to be safe. Then came the era of the ultra marathon, which could only be upstaged by the crazed creation of a man named Lazarus Lake: an ultra race that aims to have no finishers.

You probably won’t want to run the Barkleys after watching this documentary (if you’re sane), but you’ll definitely enjoy a deep dive into one of the most daunting American foot races, set in Tennessee’s Frozen Head State Park.

Starring : Lazarus Lake Directors : Annika Iltis, Timothy James Kane Runtime : 1h 29m

Grizzly Man (2005)

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Documentary fans have undoubtedly heard the name Werner Herzog, but if you haven’t, Grizzly Man is one of his crowning accomplishments and a must-watch. The documentary looks at the life of Timothy Treadwell, a bear enthusiast obsessed with living alongside grizzly bears in the Alaskan wilderness.

Starring : Timothy Treadwell, Amie Huguenard, Werner Herzog Director : Werner Herzog Runtime : 1h 43m

Encounters at the End of the World (2008)

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Herzog is so iconic he gets back-to-back entries on this list. Rather than focusing on the landscape or wildlife of Antarctica, he takes a deep dive into the people living and working at McMurdo Station.

A focus on the eccentric population highlights Herzog’s love of people and his intrinsic ability to draw out and dissect the tendrils of their life stories. All of this is juxtaposed against the stark beauty of Antarctica’s desolate surroundings.

Starring : Werner Herzog, Scott Rowland, Stefan, Pashov Director : Werner Herzog Runtime : 1h 39m

Meru (2015)

YouTube video

Jimmy Chin is a master of filming outdoor adventures, including leading the creative team behind Free Solo. Meru provides an intimate look into his attempts, along with world-renowned climbers Conrad Anker and Renan Ozturk, to be the first humans to scale the Shark’s Fin route up Meru Peak in the Himalayas.

Starring : Conrad Anker, Grace Chin, Jimmy Chin Director : Jimmy Chin, Elizabeth Chai, Vasarhelyi Runtime : 1h 30m

Long Way Round (Miniseries) (2004)

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With so many documentaries providing only a short snapshot into their subject matter, it’s refreshing to dive into the sprawling, in-depth look at the 20,000-mile motorcycle journey taken by Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman.

Covering Europe, Asia, and North America, their journey and first-hand footage will take you to rarely-seen places like the wilds of Mongolia and Siberia.

Starring : Ewan McGregor, Charley Boorman, David Alexanian Creators : David Alexanian, Charley Boorman, Russ Malkin Runtime : 5h 15m

A Map for Saturday (2007)

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Could you give up your entire life and travel the world full-time? For many of us, that’s not completely desirable or realistic, but this documentary by Brook Silva Braga captures his year of globe-trotting.

Whether you use his experiences to plan your own grand worldly adventure or vicariously enjoy his nomadic lifestyle, you’ll enjoy this dive into the “why” of long-term travel and backpacking.

Starring : Scott Erikson, Rebecca Filmer, Sabrina Hezinger Director : Brook Silva-Braga Runtime : 1h 30m

14 Peaks: Nothing is Impossible (2021)

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Climbing a single 8,000-meter peak would be a monumental lifetime achievement for the average person, but Nirmal Purja set out to climb all fourteen of the world’s tallest peaks in just seven months.

Beyond celebrating one of mountaineering’s most challenging and prized achievements, the documentary is a thoughtful look into the pivotal role of Nepalese Sherpas who so often get overlooked by Western media.

Starring : Nirmal Purja, Suchi Purja, Klára Kolouchová Director : Torquil Jones Runtime : 1h 41m

Time to Make Your Own Adventure Movie

We here at The Packable Life are all about exploration and discovery, so we encourage you to take inspiration from these vivid travel- and outdoor-themed adventure movies. From classic travel journeys to heart-pounding nature documentaries, I hope this list motivates you to schedule your next quest.

Now you know a few of my favorite adventure movies, but your list will likely look very different. By all means, let’s share — use the Comments section, below, to add your own must-sees or to tell me how misguided I am for some of my picks.

Happy trails to you, and may you never stop exploring!

Last Updated on March 19, 2024

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Maks Durayev

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The 30 Best Adventure Movies of All Time

Let the journey begin.

Author image: nakeisha campbell bio

Perhaps you have the sudden urge to live vicariously through fictional heroes as they travel through time and space. Or maybe you're in the mood for a magical tale that'll spark your imagination and take you to a new world. Regardless, if you’re a sucker for thrilling stories and heart-pumping action , you simply have to watch these films: the best adventure movies of all time.

From timeless gems like Steven Spielberg's Raiders of the Lost Ark to mind-bending indie films like Everything Everywhere All at Once , keep reading for 30 movies that'll take you on an exciting journey.

1. Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981) 

  • Cast: Harrison Ford, Karen Allen, Paul Freeman, Ronald Lacey, John Rhys-Davies
  • Run Time: 115 minutes

In the film, the legendary, whip-cracking archaeologist is tasked with finding the Ark of the Covenant—a powerful ancient relic—before Nazi German forces get to it and wreak havoc. Directed by Steven Spielberg, the iconic film expertly balances heart-pumping action with mystery, comedy and fantasy elements. Not to mention Ford's captivating performance. 

2. Back to the Future (1985)

  • Cast: Michael J. Fox, Christopher Lloyd, Lea Thompson, Crispin Glover, Thomas F. Wilson
  • Run Time: 116 minutes

Follow the misadventures of Marty McFly, a teen who accidentally time-travels to the year 1955 with a time machine built by his scientist pal, Doc. Cringe-worthy mother-son scene aside, this timeless classic explores themes like fate, family and reconciliation.

3. Mad Max: Fury Road (2015) 

  • Cast: Tom Hardy, Charlize Theron, Nicholas Hoult, Hugh Keays-Byrne
  • Run Time: 120 minutes

Set in a post-apocalyptic wasteland, war captain Imperator Furiosa turns against Immortan Joe, a ruthless cult leader, and liberates his five wives. After they escape, they meet former captive Max Rockatansky, who teams up with them to outrun the evil leader and his men. If you like intense survival films that feature heroic characters and focus on teamwork, you'll enjoy this one.

4. The Man Who Would Be King (1975) 

  • Cast: Sean Connery, Michael Caine, Christopher Plummer, Saeed Jaffrey
  • Run Time: 129 minutes

To escape their lives as soldiers, military officers Peachy and Danny travel to the remote land of Kafiristan, where they're embraced by the natives and treated like leaders. Thanks to a few misunderstandings, however, everyone starts to think that Danny is a god, and he plays along—but can he keep up this act?

5. National Treasure (2004)

  • Cast: Nicolas Cage, Harvey Keitel, Jon Voight, Diane Kruger, Sean Bean
  • Run Time: 131 minutes

Cage is Ben Gates, a historian and cryptographer who joins treasure hunter Ian Howe for an exciting expedition. But after stumbling upon an important clue, he's betrayed by his partner and races to find the lost treasure before his former colleague does.

6. The Princess Bride (1987)

  • Cast: Cary Elwes, Robin Wright, Mandy Patinkin, Chris Sarandon
  • Run Time: 98 minutes

Join Westley—or shall we say the Man in Black—as he embarks on the ultimate adventure to rescue his true love, Buttercup, from the evil Prince Humperdinck. Told by a grandfather to his grandson, the fun story has all the makings of a memorable fairytale, from romance and funny one-liners to sword fights and rodents of unusual sizes.

7. The Hunger Games (2001) 

  • Cast: Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Woody Harrelson, Elizabeth Banks
  • Run Time: 142 minutes

Independent and incredibly resourceful, Katniss Everdeen goes from tribute to hero as she competes in the annual Hunger Games as a tribute from District 12. The televised spectacle is action-packed and intense, and the characters are compelling. But viewers will appreciate how the film tackles power, class, survival and loyalty.

8. Aliens (1986)

  • Cast: Sigourney Weaver, Michael Biehn, Paul Reiser
  • Run Time: 137 minutes

Nearly six decades after surviving an alien attack on her ship, Officer Ellen Ripley is summoned to help a team of skilled colonial marines go up against the sinister creatures once again. There's no shortage of suspense and heart-pumping action, and Weaver's performance is Oscar-worthy.

9. Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (2023)

  • Cast: Shameik Moore, Hailee Steinfeld, Brian Tyree Henry, Lauren Vélez
  • Run Time: 140 minutes

Miles and Gwen's wild journey through the multiverse is an adventure we didn't know we needed. In this sequel to Into the Spider-Verse , the duo meets the members of the Spider-Society. However, this new alliance goes south when he clashes with the team on how to handle a new threat. Aside from the stunning animation, this heartwarming coming-of-age tale explores key themes like identity, free will and loss.

10. Journey to the Center of the Earth (2008) 

  • Cast: Brendan Fraser, Josh Hutcherson, Anita Briem, and Seth Meyers
  • Run Time: 93 minutes

When a volcanologist, his nephew and their guide get trapped in a cave during an expedition, they have no choice but to go deeper. The trio ends up falling into a hole that takes them to the center of the Earth. They encounter fascinating creatures and strange places on their journey, but as they go deeper, they realize they must find a way out—and fast.

11. Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022) 

  • Cast: Michelle Yeoh, Stephanie Hsu, Ke Huy Quan, Jenny Slate
  • Run Time: 139 minutes
  • Rating: R 

It's quite rare to see a thought-provoking film that successfully combines drama, comedy, fantasy, adventure, sci-fi and martial arts, yet Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert made it look like child's play. In Everything Everywhere , Evelyn, a Chinese-American immigrant, discovers that she must use her newfound powers to stop a powerful being from destroying the multiverse.

12. The Wizard of Oz (1939)

  • Cast: Judy Garland, Frank Morgan, Ray Bolger, Bert Lahr
  • Run Time: 101 minutes

Welcome back to the land of Oz, where Dorothy and her new friends embark on a fun journey to see the magical Wizard in Emerald City. The gorgeous technicolor, the Munchkinland sequence and the catchy musical numbers are just a few things that make this movie so timeless.

13. The Goonies (1985)

  • Cast: Sean Astin, Josh Brolin, Jeff Cohen, Corey Feldman, Kerri Green, Martha Plimpton
  • Run Time: 114 minutes

Directed by Richard Donner, The Goonies follows a group of kids who embark on a thrilling new adventure while trying to save their homes from foreclosure. The task? To find ancient treasure that was left behind by a legendary 17th-century pirate.

14. Jurassic Park (1993)

  • Cast: Sam Neill, Laura Dern, Jeff Goldblum, Richard Attenborough
  • Run Time: 127 minutes
  • Rating: PG-13

Set on the island of Isla Nublar, John Hammond and a team of scientists have created a successful wildlife park populated by cloned dinosaurs. All seems well at first, but chaos ensues when the park is sabotaged by a corporate rival. As a result, the dinosaurs start to prey on a small group of visitors struggling to escape.

15. Tenet (2020)

  • Cast: John David Washington, Robert Pattinson, Elizabeth Debicki, Dimple Kapadia
  • Run Time: 150 minutes

In this gripping sci-fi thriller, a former CIA agent, simply known as "the Protagonist," is recruited by a secret organization called Tenet to travel through time and prevent World War III.

16. King Kong (2005) 

  • Cast: Naomi Watts, Jack Black, Adrien Brody, Thomas Kretschmann
  • Run Time: 188 minutes

A filmmaker convinces his cast and crew to explore the mysterious Skull Island, which is said to have a giant gorilla. When they arrive and learn that King Kong is a real, 25-foot-tall gorilla, they capture the creature and take him to New York for personal gain. But it's only a matter of time before Kong breaks free of his shackles.

17. Zathura (2005)

  • Cast: Josh Hutcherson, Jonah Bobo, Dax Shepard, Kristen Stewart

Two brothers, Danny and Walter, stumble upon a mysterious old board game in their home. Suddenly, a meteor shower occurs, and their house is sent to outer space. In order to safely return home, the brothers and their big sister, Lisa, must figure out how to win the game.

18. The Lost City of Z (2016)

  • Cast: Charlie Hunnam, Robert Pattinson, Sienna Miller, Tom Holland
  • Run Time: 141 minutes

See the fascinating true story of Percy Fawcett, a British explorer who vanishes in the 1920s while searching for a mysterious ancient city in the Amazon. Hunnam delivers an unforgettable performance as Percy.

19. Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984)

  • Cast: Harrison Ford, Kate Capshaw, Ke Huy Quan, Amrish Puri
  • Run Time: 118 minutes

In this prequel to Raiders of the Lost Ark , Indiana Jones arrives in British India, where he's asked to recover a magical stone and rescue children from a secret cult. If you love a good action sequence, you'll appreciate the battle at Club Obi-Wan and Indy's grand rescue of the children.

20. Dora and the Lost City of Gold (2019) 

  • Cast: Isabela Moner, Eugenio Derbez, Michael Peña, Eva Longoria
  • Run Time: PG

Set after the events of the animated series, the movie follows teenage Dora as she navigates high school and embarks on a mission to save her parents after they go missing. Regardless of whether you grew up on Dora the Explorer or not, this fun adventure comedy will bring out your inner child.

21. Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle (2017)

  • Cast: Dwayne Johnson, Jack Black, Kevin Hart, Karen Gillan, Nick Jonas
  • Run Time: 119 minutes

When four teens find a magical video game, they're transported to an alternate universe and quickly learn that they must survive the game's jungle in order to escape. Not surprisingly, the film was a box-office hit, thanks to the charming, star-studded cast and laugh-out-loud humor.

23. Avatar (2009)

  • Cast: Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana, Stephen Lang, Michelle Rodriguez
  • Run Time: 162 minutes

Jake, a disabled Marine, is sent out on a unique mission in the world of Pandora. But when he arrives and learns the purpose of his mission, Jake is torn between staying loyal to his team and protecting the place that has become his home.

24. Life of Pi (2012)

  • Cast: Suraj Sharma, Irrfan Khan, Tabu, Rafe Spall, Gérard Depardieu

The movie centers on a 16-year-old named Piscine (aka Pi), who survives a devastating shipwreck. He gets stranded on a lifeboat for 227 days, but fortunately, he's not alone. While out at sea, he develops an unexpected bond with the only other survivor: a Bengal tiger.

25. A Wrinkle in Time (2018)

  • Cast: Oprah Winfrey, Reese Witherspoon, Mindy Kaling, Levi Miller, Storm Reid
  • Run Time: 110 minutes

Want to travel between planets and stars? Try A Wrinkle in Time. Reid stars as 13-year-old Meg Murry, who goes on a magical mission to find her missing father with the help of three wise astral travelers.

26. Avengers: Infinity War (2018)

  • Cast: Robert Downey Jr., Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson
  • Run Time: 149 minutes

The stakes are sky-high as the Avengers and the Guardians of the Galaxy team up against Thanos, who plans to collect six powerful Infinity Stones and kill half of the world's population. There's drama, action, stellar special effects and amazing performances all around.

27. The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003)

  • Cast: Elijah Wood, Ian McKellen, Liv Tyler, Viggo Mortensen, Sean Astin, Cate Blanchett
  • Run Time: 201 minutes

TBH, nothing beats getting immersed in the world of Middle Earth. The Return of the King is a satisfying conclusion to the epic trilogy, where Frodo, Gollum and Sam set out to destroy the One Ring and Aragorn faces off against Sauron in the ultimate battle between good and evil.

28. Cast Away (2000)

  • Cast: Tom Hanks, Helen Hunt, Nick Searcy
  • Run Time: 144 minutes

If survival dramas are more up your alley, you need to see Cast Away . Hanks plays a FedEx systems analyst who gets stranded on a remote island after his plane crashes. After realizing his chances of getting rescued are slim, he desperately tries to survive with the limited resources he has.

29. The Great Escape (1963)

  • Cast: Steve McQueen, James Garner, Richard Attenborough
  • Run Time: 172 minutes

Set in Nazi Germany during World War II, a group of determined war prisoners concoct an escape plan by digging a tunnel. If you're into timeless war films with clever, witty dialogue, do yourself a favor and add this to your queue.

30. Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003)

  • Cast: Johnny Depp, Geoffrey Rush, Orlando Bloom, Keira Knightley
  • Run Time: 143 minutes

When the governor's daughter, Elizabeth Swann, gets kidnapped by Captain Barbossa, her good friend Will Turner joins forces with Captain Jack Sparrow to rescue her and recover Jack's ship.

40 Psychological Thrillers on Netflix That Will Make You Question Everything

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25 best travel movies to inspire your own adventures

A list of our favorite travel movies, from classics to lesser-known films, plus tips to live your own real-life adventures.

journey adventure movies

Worldpackers Worldpackers

Nov 23, 2023

travel movies

Feel like going on an incredible excursion without leaving the house? That's the magic of travel movies. Picture this: one moment you're exploring sun-soaked vineyards in Italy, then you're navigating bustling markets in Morocco. All without leaving home!

Travel movies let us experience cultures around the globe. They inspire our wanderlust and help plan real-life adventures . And sometimes they offer an escape when we need it most. Ready to dive into cinematic journeys that span continents?

In this article we'll remind you of iconic films that have shaped this genre and discover more recent gems . So, grab some popcorn as we embark on a reel-world adventure.

25 best travel movies that will inspire you

Here’s a list of Worldpackers team’s favorite travel movies, which make us feel like we’re out and about without leaving our couch. Some films take this experience up a notch, offering more than just beautiful locales - they shape our understanding of travel itself.

The Motorcycle Diaries (2004)

We start this list of travel movies with a great example of that power of broadening perspectives: The Motorcycle Diaries isn't simply about two friends exploring South America on a motorcycle. It's the story of Che Guevara, discovering social injustices that would later ignite his revolutionary spirit. It has inspired many travelers who crave authentic experiences over typical tourist attractions.

As Ernesto Guevara and his friend Alberto Granado travel through various countries, the film portrays their interactions with diverse cultures, people, and landscapes. They witness the disparities in wealth and healthcare, which ignite Ernesto's desire to bring about social change. 

The Motorcycle Diaries is a coming-of-age story that traces the evolution of Guevara from a carefree medical student to a passionate advocate for the oppressed. It's an inspiring story combined with beautiful cinematography that encourages us not just to see new places but also understand different cultures better.

best travel movies

Around the World in 80 Days (1956)

Feel like going for a classic? This film is based on the novel by Jules Verne and follows the journey of Phileas Fogg, an eccentric and wealthy Englishman who bets that he can circumnavigate the globe in just 80 days.

The plot of the movie revolves around Fogg's race against time as he embarks on an adventure across the globe, accompanied by his loyal French servant, Passepartout. They go on a daring journey using various means of transport - from hot air balloons to elephants - and encounter a series of comedic and sometimes perilous situations.

Eat Pray Love (2010)

You've probably heard of Eat Pray Love, a romantic drama film based on Elizabeth Gilbert's memoir of the same name. The movie follows the life-changing journey of the protagonist, Liz Gilbert, played by Julia Roberts, after going through a divorce.

She sets out on an expedition to find herself through food, spirituality, and love while traveling through Italy, India, and Bali respectively. This film emphasizes the healing power of travel and how it can help you find your inner self.

eat pray love takes you to indonesia

Into The Wild (2007)

Another book turned into film, this biographical drama directed by Sean Penn is based on the non-fiction book by Jon Krakauer. It tells the true story of Christopher McCandless , a young man from a well-to-do family who decides to abandon his conventional life and venture into the wilderness of North America in pursuit of a more meaningful existence.

He renames himself “Alexander Supertramp”, cuts ties with his family and embarks on a journey across the USA, eventually reaching Alaska . Throughout his journey, Christopher encounters various people who impact his life.

Wild (2014)

For those who love biographical tales, here’s another one: Wild is based on Cheryl Strayed's memoir, which chronicles her 1100-mile solo hike along the Pacific Crest Trail. 

It’s not just about stunning landscapes but also self-discovery and healing, since the character starts the hike after a series of destructive behaviors and the loss of her mother to cancer.

Throughout her journey, Cheryl encounters many challenges, including harsh weather, injuries, and the weight of her emotional baggage . Her journey becomes a test of her inner strength, determination, and resilience.

pacific crest trail

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013)

A modern classic, this film follows the life of Walter Mitty, a man who escapes his mundane existence through elaborate daydreams. He works as a photo negative manager at Life magazine, a job that involves processing photographs for publication.

One day he misplaces a crucial photograph negative taken by a renowned photographer and sets off to find the missing negative. This journey takes him on an adventure around the world, from Greenland to Iceland , going far beyond his comfort zone.

The Way (2010)

Dream of doing the Camino de Santiago, in Spain? The Way portrays one man’s pilgrimage along the Camino after his son's death.  

The main character is Tom (played by Martin Sheen), who encounters a diverse group of fellow travelers, each with their own reasons for walking the pilgrimage. Together, they share stories, hopes, and struggles.

As Tom travels through picturesque landscapes and faces physical challenges, he not only learns to honor his son's memory but also discovers profound insights about life, faith, and the power of human connections.

camino de santiago

Thelma and Louise (1991)

A road trip movie classic, Thelma & Louise tells the story of two women who set out on a weekend getaway but find themselves on the run from the law after a traumatic incident. Their journey becomes a symbolic escape from societal constraints, leading to a series of events that challenge the roles they've been assigned as women.

With every scene, more beauty unfolds as they drive amidst vast American landscapes in their iconic convertible. The film is a thrilling and thought-provoking exploration of friendship, empowerment, and the consequences of defying societal norms.

Roman Holiday (1953)

Another classic, Roman Holiday transports viewers back in time while offering picturesque views around Rome's historic cityscape - perfect for those wanting both cultural immersion and vintage vibes.

The film revolves around the story of a young European princess named Princess Ann (Audrey Hepburn), who is on a diplomatic tour of Europe and becomes overwhelmed by the constraints of her royal duties and her sheltered life. 

It’s a love story that captures the magic of a whirlwind romance against the backdrop of the Italian capital.

one of the best classic travel movies

The Darjeeling Limited (2007)

Directed by Wes Anderson, the movie follows the journey of three estranged brothers who reunite for a train trip through India . They board the Darjeeling Limited, a luxury train, each dealing with his own personal struggles and unresolved issues.

As the train journey progresses through the picturesque Indian landscape, the brothers encounter many  challenges and quirky situations . Along the way, they engage in both humorous and poignant interactions with fellow passengers and locals, leading to moments of self-discovery and reflection.

The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2011)

Another treat for those longing to visit India, this heartwarming film tells the story of a group of British retirees who decide to spend their retirement years in a hotel in Jaipur . They face a variety of personal challenges and cultural adjustments as they settle into the vibrant and colorful environment of India.

The hotel is far from the luxurious paradise the retirees were expecting, but through their shared experiences and interactions with the local community, they find renewal, purpose , and unexpected opportunities for love and personal growth.

many good travel movies take place in india

Lost in Translation (2003) Loneliness, connection, and cultural dislocation are the main themes of this drama-comedy directed by Sofia Coppola, which takes place in Japan. The story revolves around Bob Harris, a middle-aged American actor who is in Tokyo to shoot a whiskey commercial, and Charlotte, a young college graduate accompanying her photographer husband. Both Bob and Charlotte are feeling adrift in their lives and marriages , grappling with feelings of isolation and purposelessness in the bustling and culturally unfamiliar capital of Japan. Their chance encounter leads to a deep and platonic connection. The Holiday (2006)

This romantic comedy follows the intertwining stories of two women, Iris (Kate Winslet) and Amanda (Cameron Diaz), who are experiencing relationship troubles during the Christmas holiday season.

Iris is British and Amanda is American. Feeling the need for a break from their lives, they discover each other through a house-swapping website and decide to exchange homes for the holiday season . While their lives take unexpected turns, we feel like we're exploring the English countryside and sunny California along with them.

Under the Tuscan Sun (2003)

This travel movie follows the story of Frances (played by Diane Lane), a recently divorced writer who impulsively purchases a villa in Tuscany, Italy , in an attempt to start anew.

As Frances attempts to restore the villa to its former glory, she forms connections with the local community and undergoes a personal transformation , rediscovering her passion for life, writing, and love. The picturesque landscapes of Tuscany provide a stunning backdrop to the story.

tuscany makes a great scenery for travel movies

Tracks (2013)

Based on the true story of Robyn Davidson, this travel movie chronicles her remarkable journey across the vast Australian desert with a dog and four camels . She went on a solo trek of over 1,700 miles from Alice Springs to the west coast of Australia, motivated by a desire for solitude and a deep connection with the land.

Along the way, she faces various obstacles, including encounters with curious locals, harsh weather conditions, and the emotional toll of isolation . The film is a visually stunning and introspective portrayal of an extraordinary real-life adventure.

Before Sunrise (1995), Before Sunset (2004), Before Midnight (2013)

The "Before" trilogy, directed by Richard Linklater and starred by Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy, starts with the movie Before Sunrise , which follows the chance encounter of two strangers on a train traveling through Europe. They strike up a conversation and decide to spend the night together in Vienna, Austria, before Jesse's departure the next morning.

Before Sunset , its sequel, takes place in Paris, where Jesse and Celine meet again 10 years later. Finally, Before Midnight takes the same characters to Greece, almost two decades before their first encounter.

The trilogy is celebrated for its realistic and emotionally charged dialogue . Each film captures a different stage in Jesse and Céline's lives, offering insights into the complexities of love and human relationships, while they walk around beautiful cities.

vienna is the setting of before sunrise

Hunt for the Wilderpeople (2016)

This New Zealand adventure-comedy film follows the unlikely friendship between a rebellious young boy and his reluctant foster uncle as they become the subjects of a nationwide manhunt in the New Zealand wilderness.

As they navigate the rugged terrain, their relationship grows stronger, and they become unlikely partners in a wild adventure to evade capture by the authorities. Along the way, they encounter various colorful characters and face numerous challenges.

Patagonia (2010)

Probably one of the lesser-known films in this list of travel movies, Patagonia interweaves two distinct but interconnected stories that take place in different parts of the world, both involving characters on personal journeys of self-discovery.

One storyline follows Gwen and Rhys, a Welsh couple who travel to Patagonia in Argentina as part of a photography project. Their journey becomes a catalyst for Gwen's personal exploration as she grapples with her desires and the changing dynamics of her relationship with Rhys.

The second storyline follows Cerys, an elderly Welsh woman who embarks on a pilgrimage to visit her family's ancestral homeland in Patagonia, where there is a Welsh-speaking community. Along the way, she meets a young Argentine named Alejandro who is searching for his Welsh roots.

patagonia

The Bucket List (2007)

This movie tells the story of two terminally ill men , Edward Cole (played by Jack Nicholson) and Carter Chambers (played by Morgan Freeman), who meet while sharing a hospital room. Both men have been diagnosed with advanced stages of cancer and are given limited time to live.

As they grapple with their mortality and impending deaths, Edward and Carter decide to create a list of things they want to do before they "kick the bucket." The two men embark on a global journey to check off the items on their list, forming a deep friendship along the way.

A Good Year (2006)

Directed by Ridley Scott, this movie follows the story of Max Skinner (played by Russell Crowe), a successful and ruthless London-based investment banker who inherits a vineyard in Provence , France, upon the death of his estranged uncle.

Max reluctantly travels to the vineyard with the intention of selling it quickly and making a profit. However, as he spends time in the picturesque countryside and reconnects with his childhood memories, he begins to reconsider his priorities and values.

travel movies

A Walk in the Woods (2015)

This film is based on the memoir of the same name by the well-known travel writer and author Bill Bryson. After living abroad for many years, Bryson returns to the United States and decides to hike the Appalachian Trail , one of the longest continuous footpaths in the world, together with an old acquaintance, Stephen Katz.

As Bryson and Katz traverse the Appalachian Trail, they face a series of humorous and challenging situations, including encounters with fellow hikers and with wildlife, and the physical demands of the trail itself. Along the way, they also engage in conversations about life, friendship, and the beauty of the natural world .

a walk in the woods takes place in the appalachian trail

This list of travel movies wouldn’t be complete without some heartwarming animations . Starting with Up, a Pixar and Walt Disney film centered on the story of Carl Fredricksen, a widowed elderly man who embarks on a remarkable adventure using balloons to fly his house to South America.

It all starts when Carl finds himself facing eviction from his beloved home and missing his late wife, Ellie, who had shared his childhood dreams of adventure, so he decides to fulfill their lifelong dream of visiting the remote Paradise Falls . 

During the trip, he learns to let go of the past, embrace new experiences, and find joy in unexpected places.

Coco (2017)

There are also plenty of animations that take us on a deep dive in foreign cultures. One of the best travel movies of this kind is Coco, an animated musical film which is also produced by Pixar and released by Walt Disney. The movie is set in Mexico and revolves around the Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos) holiday , a celebration of deceased loved ones.

The plot follows Miguel Rivera, a young boy with a deep passion for music, despite his family's long-standing ban on music due to a past family tragedy. On Día de los Muertos, Miguel accidentally finds himself transported to the Land of the Dead, a vibrant and colorful afterlife realm where deceased family members reside.

animations are great options of travel movies

The impact of travel movies on tourism

Besides being great entertainment, travel movies can wield a remarkable influence over tourism. They can kindle wanderlust, highlight unique cultures, and even steer the course of travel trends.

Movies often inspire personal journeys by portraying transformative experiences tied to specific locales. Take Eat Pray Love, which ignited a Bali tourism boom as fans flocked there hoping for self-discovery adventures akin to Julia Roberts' character.

Into The Wild, based on a true story, was another influential film. Despite its tragic ending, the movie encouraged many to seek their own version of an Alaskan wilderness experience.

Sometimes movies can create entirely new tourism trends. After Peter Jackson's Lord of The Rings, fans began traveling to New Zealand just to see the stunning landscapes that brought Middle-earth to life . This trend even led to unique travel experiences like Hobbiton tours and “Middle-earth” packages designed specifically for Tolkien enthusiasts.

However, this popularity has its drawbacks. When travel movies gain too much traction, they can cause stress on the locations they showcase. One example is the Maya Bay beach, in Thailand, which was made famous in the movie "The Beach”, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, and had to be closed to tourists due to the damages caused by overtourism.

maya bay beach

Tips for enjoying your favorite travel movies

We hope you enjoyed our list of travel movies, but luckily there’s much more to watch after you’re done with those films! Unearthing cinematic gems that inspire wanderlust and fuel the desire to explore is an adventure in itself. Here are a few suggestions to keep that habit going:

Talking to other travelers

One surefire way to discover great travel movies is by connecting with fellow globetrotters. They often have a treasure trove of film recommendations based on their own experiences and personal tastes.

You could start these conversations on platforms like Worldpackers , where you'll find a vibrant community of seasoned and newbie travelers alike.

Keeping a travel movie journal

Maintaining a journal dedicated solely for recording memorable travel films can be rewarding too. As you note down details about each movie , it becomes more than just keeping track; it turns into an immersive activity that lets you savor each film long after the credits roll. This method also helps when sharing recommendations with friends or social media followers.

Planning themed movie nights

A fun twist is organizing themed movie nights around different countries or regions. Not only does this make for an entertaining evening but watching several related films in one go might highlight your next dream destination.

For instance, if South American culture piques your interest, consider watching films such as 'The Motorcycle Diaries' and other movies that take place in the continent, whether they’re actually travel-related or not. This is a great way to dive into the richness of this vibrant region. And why not making a themed dinner as well?

watch travel movies with a themed dinner

Traveling to your dream movie destinations

What about visiting some of the destinations portrayed in your favorite travel movies and living your own amazing adventures? It’s easy to do so with Worldpackers , a platform that connects travelers to hosts from all over the world for volunteer and work exchange programs.

In exchange for a few hours of help, you’ll get free accommodation and other perk s, like meals and tours. Besides saving a lot of money, you’ll get to meet other travelers and locals who can give you tips and insights into local culture, while living r eal-life adventures that might as well be turned into film someday.

Keep reading to understand how it works:

  • Our step-by-step guide on how Worldpackers works
  • Traveling with Worldpackers: your top questions answered
  • Collaborative tourism: what are collaborative travel relationships?

journey adventure movies

If you liked our list of travel movies, keep reading our blog and follow our social media accounts for more travel tips and inspiration! We’re on TikTok and Instagram .

Join the community!

Create a free Worldpackers account to discover volunteer experiences perfect for you and get access to exclusive travel discounts!

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Get your documents and tickets ready for your volunteer trip.

Confirm your trip to enjoy all of the safety of Worldpackers.

Have a transformative experience and make a positive impact on the world.

If anything doesn’t go as planned with a host, count on the WP Safeguard and our highly responsive support team!

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The 30 Best Adventure Movies of All Time

Go swinging through a lost temple or into the fantasy of Middle Earth.

best adventure movies of all time

There comes a point in every hero’s journey when they must accept their call to adventure and dive into a new world of wonders and challenges. And, there comes a time in every movie watcher’s viewing experience when they must decide whether the first five minutes seem promising enough to put their phone down and commit. (Look at you, you phone-less vagabond.)

Whether you prefer rope-swinging through the jungle or setting the open seas, these movies are sure to bring you on the trip of a lifetime. Choose your own adventure from this list of the genre’s best.

Stand by Me

Rob Reiner’s iconic adaptation of Stephen King’s The Body serves as an all-but-ordinary coming of age story, set in 1959. River Phoenix, Corey Feldman, Wil Wheaton, and Jerry O’Connell star as a group of young boys determined to uncover the missing body of a local boy for a cash reward. The film is a blend of hilariously crude adolescent humor, saturated scenes of nostalgia, and meditations on innocence, maturity, and friendship.

Few voyages at sea begin with the shipwreck, but such is the case for Life of Pi , based on Yann Martel’s novel of the same name. Directed by Ang Lee and starring the late Irrfan Khan and Suraj Sharma, the film weaves a spectacular tale of spiritual discovery as a shipwrecked young man navigates the Pacific Ocean while stranded on a lifeboat. (Think Cast Away, but swap the volleyball for a Bengal tiger.)

The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring

The first installment of Peter Jackson’s trilogy adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien’s iconic epic novels, The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring introduces us to the fictional appendix that is all of Middle Earth and its inhabitants. Viewers join the earnest quest of young hobbit Frodo and his caravan of companions, with performances by Elijah Wood, Ian McKellen, Cate Blanchett, and Orlando Bloom.

Moonrise Kingdom

Nothing says adventure like two twelve-year-olds falling in love and running away together to an island off the coast of New England. This whimsical and peculiar comedy is as Wes Anderson as Wes Anderson can get: peak aesthetic pleasure in its set and costume design, obsessively precise cinematography and writing, and, of course an overwhelmingly stacked cast of celebrities.

The Hidden Fortress

From the beloved Japanese filmmaker Akira Kurosawa, The Hidden Fortress follows two peasants who find themselves on an unexpected quest to escort a man and woman across enemy lines in the midst of a war. The shared journey finds some comical and dramatic speedbumps though when it is revealed that the two men are actually escorting a war general and princess.

The Peanut Butter Falcon

Shia LaBeouf and Zack Gottsagen respectively star as a local outlaw and young man with Down’s Syndrome who, upon finding each other while both on the run, form an unlikely bond. The latter has left his care facility determined to pursue his dream career in professional wrestling, and one of his nurses eventually catches up to the two friends at large. However, she might just end up being a perfect third companion.

Indiana Jones: Raiders of the Lost Ark

In the first installment of the famed Indiana Jones franchise, Harrison Ford stars as the titular archaeologist on his quest to prevent a group of Nazis from stealing the precious religious relic, the Ark of the Covenant. Directed by Steven Spielberg, this epic is a classic Hollywood archetype of the hero’s journey, with its Jones donning a signature whip and, of course, an achilles heel for snakes.

2001: A Space Odyssey

Stanley Kubrick and Arthur C. Clarke’s adaptation of Clarke’s, “The Sentinel,” 2001: A Space Odyssey is something of a monolith in itself within film history, still serving as a subject of analysis for us today. The enigmatic sci-fi thriller, amidst its exciting ingenuity in filmmaking, serves as an ominous meditation on man vs. machine that will make you feel like you’re staring straight into the beady red monitor of your own existence.

Tom Hanks stars as Chuck Noland, a FedEx engineer who ends up stranded on a deserted island while on a work assignment. In a true case of man versus wild, Noland’s chalk-tallied days spent with his volleyball companion become more than a test of will. They become a test of humanity and the world as he knows it.

Jurassic Park

Another larger-than-life blockbuster from Steven Spielberg, Jurassic Park follows the aftermath of what one might expect if a billionaire had come up with a way to recreate dinosaurs for a theme park. Shockingly, even movie billionaires don’t think through the ethics of their latest ventures. What some of the movie characters lack in technological savviness, the filmmaking itself makes up for with special effects and animatronics that made the standards of its time seem prehistoric.

The Treasure of the Sierra Madre

The prototypical adventure movie, The Treasure of the Sierra Madre is a western-tinged story of two outlaws who encounter a veteran prospector, then travel together into Mexico’s Sierra Madre mountains to strike gold. Though they find treasure, they become quickly beleaguered by bandits and internal strife. Directed by the inimitable John Huston, The Treasure of the Sierra Madre is the film that kickstarted the genre.

Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon

In the film that catapulted Ang Lee to directorial superstardom, Lee sets the scene in nineteenth century China, where a warrior entrusts his fabled sword to his beloved, only for the sword to fall into the wrong hands. Come for the adventure through a bygone era in Chinese history, but stay for the breathtaking martial arts sequences, which remain unparalleled even two decades later.

Annihilation

In this adaptation of Jeff VanderMeer’s acclaimed climate fiction novel, five female scientists journey into Area X, a sinister and unexplained ecological phenomenon consuming Florida’s coastline. Featuring an all-star cast including Natalie Portman, Tessa Thompson, Gina Rodriguez, and Oscar Isaac, the journey into the unknown pushes these scientists to the limits of their bodies and their sanity.

Thor: Ragnarok

Nothing says “adventure” quite like an intergalactic romp through trash-covered planets, right? The third film in Marvel’s Thor sequence is the series’ loosest, centering on a madcap adventure through outer space, which leaves a powerless Thor stranded on a wacky planet ruled by a sadistic Jeff Goldblum. Directed by Taika Waititi, Ragnarok remains a one-of-a-kind standout in Marvel’s filmology.

Not all adventures have to be serious. Melissa McCarthy makes a feast of her juiciest role yet in this underappreciated gem from Bridesmaids director Paul Feig, featuring an uproarious cast that also stars Rose Byrne, Jude Law, Allison Janney, Jason Statham, and 50 Cent. McCarthy stars as a timid CIA desk jockey catapulted into the field by the sudden death of her partner, sending her on a wild journey for vengeance and self-discovery from the slums of Paris to the casinos of Rome.

The Wizard Of Oz

One of the essential early cinematic adventures, seeing the land of Oz revealed in gorgeous technicolor will still capture your imagination to this day.

Interstellar

Christopher Nolan’s space epic truly lived up to the hype, with mind-boggling direction and special effects that capture the strange new galaxy the space crew find themselves in.

Mad God is a truly unsettling stop-motion experimental horror film by Phil Tippett, a director and animator known for gorgeous visual effects, who has also worked on some iconic creatures for Star Wars and Jurassic Park .

Ron Howard’s historical docudrama adapts the real harrowing tale of NASA’s aborted 13th lunar mission with previously unparalleled technical accuracy. While there were a few narrative and historical quibbles in the end, the filmmakers consulted closely with NASA experts to keep the film somewhat grounded, and filmed space scenes on actual zero-gravity flights to accurately show weightlessness.

O Brother, Where Art Thou?

This Coen Brothers dramedy turns rural Mississippi in the 1930s into a gorgeous backdrop for a more modern retelling of The Odyssey , but with way more country and bluegrass music than before.

preview for HDM All sections playlist - Esquire

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Filmmaking Lifestyle

Best Adventure Movies: Thrilling Cinematic Journeys Worth Taking

journey adventure movies

  • Documentary
  • Auteur Theory
  • Exploitation Films
  • Coming of Age
  • Kitchen Sink Drama
  • Period Piece
  • Portmanteau Film
  • Slasher Film
  • Slice of Life
  • Spaghetti Western
  • Blaxploitation
  • Slapstick Comedy
  • Social Commentary
  • Non-Narrative Film

Adventure movies are a beloved genre that have captivated audiences for decades. These movies typically involve a hero or a group of heroes on a thrilling and dangerous journey to achieve a specific goal or to save the world.

Adventure movies are filled with action, excitement, and suspense, and they often take place in exotic and mysterious locations.

Adventure movies can span a variety of subgenres, from swashbuckling pirate adventures to epic quests through magical lands, and from thrilling treasure hunts to heart-pumping survival stories in the wilderness.

Some of the best adventure movies of all time have become cultural touchstones, inspiring countless other movies, books, and video games.

Whether you are an adrenaline junkie, a fan of classic tales of heroism, or simply someone who loves a good story, adventure movies offer something for everyone.

Best Adventure Movies

We’ll explore some of the best adventure movies ever made and why they have captured the hearts and imaginations of audiences around the world.

1. Black Panther (2018)

“Black Panther” is a superhero film released in 2018, directed by Ryan Coogler and produced by Marvel Studios.

The film is based on the Marvel Comics character of the same name and stars Chadwick Boseman as T’Challa/Black Panther, the king of Wakanda, a fictional African nation with advanced technology and resources.

The plot of the film follows T’Challa as he returns home to Wakanda to take his rightful place as king after the death of his father. He must also defend his country against threats from both inside and outside, including a rival claim to the throne.

Ulysses Klaue (Andy Serkis), and an American mercenary, Erik Killmonger (Michael B. Jordan), who has a personal vendetta against T’Challa and seeks to overthrow him.

The film was praised for its diverse cast and representation of African culture, as well as its themes of identity, colonialism, and social justice. It was also a commercial success, grossing over $1.3 billion worldwide and becoming the ninth highest-grossing film of all time.

Black Panther [DVD] [2018]

  • Audience Rating: Unrated (Not Rated)

2. The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003)

The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King is a 2003 epic fantasy film directed by Peter Jackson, and the third and final installment in the Lord of the Rings film series.

The film is based on the second half of J.R.R. Tolkien’s novel The Lord of the Rings, and follows hobbit Frodo Baggins and his companions as they continue their quest to destroy the One Ring and defeat the dark lord Sauron.

The film stars Elijah Wood as Frodo Baggins, Ian McKellen as Gandalf the White, Viggo Mortensen as Aragorn, and many other talented actors.

journey adventure movies

The film was critically acclaimed and a commercial success, grossing over $1.1 billion worldwide and winning eleven Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Adapted Screenplay.

The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King is widely regarded as one of the greatest films ever made, and is considered a landmark achievement in the history of cinema.

The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King

  • Factory sealed DVD
  • Elijah Wood, Ian McKellen, Liv Tyler (Actors)
  • Peter Jackson (Director) - Fran Walsh (Writer) - Barrie M. Osborne (Producer) - J.R.R. Tolkien...
  • English, Spanish (Subtitles)
  • Audience Rating: PG-13 (Parents Strongly Cautioned)

3. Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)

Guardians of the Galaxy is a Marvel superhero film that was released in 2014. Directed by James Gunn, the film follows a group of misfits who band together to save the galaxy from a powerful villain known as Ronan the Accuser.

The main characters are Peter Quill, aka Star-Lord (played by Chris Pratt), Gamora (played by Zoe Saldana), Drax the Destroyer (played by Dave Bautista), Rocket Raccoon (voiced by Bradley Cooper), and Groot (voiced by Vin Diesel).

Together, they form the titular Guardians of the Galaxy.

The film features a mix of action, comedy, and music, with a soundtrack that includes popular songs from the 1970s and 1980s.

The film was a critical and commercial success, and has since spawned two sequels, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017) and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (2023).

The characters have also appeared in other Marvel Cinematic Universe films, such as Avengers: Infinity War (2018) and Avengers: Endgame (2019).

Guardians of the Galaxy

  • Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista (Actors)
  • James Gunn (Director)
  • English, French (Subtitles)
  • English (Publication Language)

4. Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003)

“Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl” is a 2003 American adventure fantasy film directed by Gore Verbinski and produced by Jerry Bruckheimer.

The movie stars Johnny Depp as Captain Jack Sparrow, Orlando Bloom as Will Turner, and Keira Knightley as Elizabeth Swann.

The story follows the journey of Elizabeth Swann, the daughter of a British governor, who is kidnapped by a group of pirates led by Captain Barbossa (Geoffrey Rush).

Will Turner, a blacksmith and friend of Elizabeth, teams up with the eccentric Captain Jack Sparrow, a former pirate who has fallen on hard times, to rescue Elizabeth and stop the pirates from unleashing a curse that will doom them to an immortal existence as undead skeletons.

The film was a commercial success, grossing over $654 million worldwide, and received critical acclaim for its performances, visual effects, and music.

It spawned several sequels, including “Dead Man’s Chest” (2006), “At World’s End” (2007), “On Stranger Tides” (2011), and “Dead Men Tell No Tales” (2017).

Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (Two-Disc Collector's Edition)

  • 2003 - Disney - Pirates of the Caribbean : The Curse of the Black PearlJohnny Depp, Orlando Bloom,...
  • Johnny Depp, Geoffrey Rush, Orlando Bloom (Actors)
  • Gore Verbinski (Director)
  • French (Subtitle)

3 Characteristics of Adventure Movies

Adventure movies are a popular genre of film that typically feature a thrilling and exciting storyline with action-packed scenes and exotic locations. Here are three common characteristics of adventure movies:

Exciting and Dangerous Situations: Adventure movies often involve characters who are put in extreme, high-stakes situations, such as battling dangerous animals, navigating through treacherous environments, or engaging in intense physical combat. These situations create tension and suspense, and keep the audience on the edge of their seats.

Exploration and Discovery: Adventure movies often take the audience on a journey to new and exotic locations, such as remote islands, ancient ruins, or uncharted territories.

These locations are often full of mysteries and secrets that the characters must uncover and unravel in order to complete their quest.

Heroic Protagonists: Adventure movies typically feature a strong and charismatic protagonist who is brave, resourceful, and skilled at overcoming obstacles.

These protagonists often have a strong sense of justice and are motivated by a desire to save the day or protect their loved ones. The audience is typically rooting for the protagonist to succeed, and the film’s climax often involves a dramatic showdown between the hero and the villain.

3 Reasons To Watch Adventure Movies

Escapism: Adventure movies provide an escape from everyday life, taking the viewer on a thrilling journey to exotic locations or otherworldly realms. They allow the viewer to forget about their own problems and immerse themselves in an exciting and often dangerous world.

Inspiration: Adventure movies can inspire the viewer to take risks and try new things. They often feature characters who overcome great challenges and obstacles, demonstrating the power of determination and perseverance.

journey adventure movies

Watching these characters can motivate the viewer to push themselves out of their comfort zone and pursue their own dreams and goals.

Entertainment: Adventure movies are often action-packed and full of suspense, keeping the viewer on the edge of their seat.

They offer a thrilling and entertaining experience that can be enjoyed alone or with friends and family. Additionally, many adventure movies have stunning visuals and special effects, making them a feast for the eyes.

Best Adventure Movies – Wrap Up

Adventure movies have been captivating audiences for decades with their thrilling action, exotic locations, and epic quests. From classic swashbuckling pirate adventures to high-tech science-fiction stories, adventure movies offer something for everyone.

Inception, directed by Christopher Nolan, is a mind-bending science-fiction adventure that explores the power of the mind and the nature of reality.

Back to the Future, directed by Robert Zemeckis, is a time-traveling adventure that combines science-fiction, comedy, and heartwarming storytelling.

Toy Story, produced by Pixar Animation Studios and directed by John Lasseter, is a groundbreaking computer-animated adventure about the importance of friendship and loyalty.

These movies, along with countless others, have become cultural touchstones and continue to inspire new generations of filmmakers, writers, and artists.

Whether you’re in the mood for action-packed thrills, heartwarming stories of friendship and love, or mind-bending science-fiction adventures, the best adventure movies have something for everyone.

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Matt Crawford

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The 12 Best Jungle Adventure Movies, Ranked

Are you brave enough to venture into the wild?

Movies in the adventure and suspense genre tend to get our hearts racing with the fast-paced action and the mysterious wilderness setting. No one knows what will pop up on the screen from which direction to startle their senses. Whether it’s a quest to unearth lost treasures, or a journey to find the center of the earth, the best jungle movies always have loads of entertainment for the audiences in store.

Some might think this genre is a little over-explored with various movies finding their own jungle to get lost in, but the charm of having an unknown wild adventure never ceases to amuse. It’s always fun to see filmmakers come up with an engaging backstory and hilarious characters to make the jungle adventure movie one heck of a ride. Fans of this genre find comfort in such forest movies and strive to live vicariously through them. There's no shortage of the best adventure movies that heavily use the jungle setting to tell their fun and exciting stories. Which are the ones worth seeing at least once?

12 'Journey 2: The Mysterious Island' (2012)

Directed by brad peyton.

An ambitious sequel to the 2008 blockbuster Journey to the Center of the Earth , this feature film stars wrestler-turned-actor Dwayne Johnson , Josh Hutcherson , and Vanessa Hudgens , who set out in response to a cryptic signal received from deep within the forest. They venture in pursuit of Sean’s lost grandfather.

Both movies are adapted from epic stories written by Jules Verne . Watch Journey 2: The Mysterious Island for golden comedy, amusing sequences, and obviously the awesome Dwayne Johnson . Its cheesy comedy and formulaic plot aren't for cinephiles, but it's likely one of the guilty pleasure movies that some viewers watch for an uplifted mood.

journey 2: the mysterious island

Watch on USA Network

11 'Uncharted' (2022)

Directed by ruben fleischer.

Starring Tom Holland and Mark Wahlberg , Uncharted follows the undiscovered ventures of Ferdinand Magellan with a desire to find the lost treasure. Existing fans of the game were very excited to see a feature film explore the world of the beloved game, but Uncharted 's adaptation turned out to be nothing like the source material.

While Holland managed to capture Nate's charm, wit, humor, and heart in a way that was uniquely his own, it couldn't make up for the boring plot, missed opportunities, and questionable deviations from the game's story that the creators decided to include. Still, for fans looking for a mindless flick on a boring night, Uncharted offers its fair share of fun action sequences, but not much else .

Rent on Apple TV

10 'The Lost City' (2022)

Directed by adam nee, aaron nee.

Nestled in the plot of the adventure movie The Lost City is a romantic arc that brings together an author and her cover model who goes overlooked otherwise. This modern take on the genre finds Sandra Bollock and Channing Tatum in the wild with an evil Daniel Radcliffe hampering their every move. The unlikely pair must learn to work together if they hope to survive long enough to find the treasure.

The wild plot certainly managed to capture the attention of the viewers, even though most of the jokes didn't land. The Lost City reels you in with the mystic fonts and the legend of a hidden treasure that delighted the kings and queens for centuries, even if many of these hooks are unfortunately predictable clichés. If for nothing else, the movie is a perfect watch just for the unexpected Brad Pitt cameo .

The Lost City

Watch on Amazon Prime

9 'Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull' (2008)

Directed by steven spielberg.

The fourth installment in the beloved adventure franchise, Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull follows the exhilarating journey of the titular archaeologist ( Harrison Ford ), who pursues an artifact with immense power. Alongside an old flame, Marion Ravenwood ( Karen Allen ), Indy travels to the depths of the forests of Peru before being captured and taken to the Amazon.

Although not the best in the massive Indiana Jones franchise , The Kingdom of the Crystal Skull still offers exciting action and gut-busting humor for fans who love the character . It’s also just nostalgic to revisit the legendary films now that its final installment had its disappointing premiere. If anything, The Kingdom of the Crystal Skull is worth watching just for that one epic motorcycle scene.

Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull

Indiana Jones becomes entangled in a Soviet plot to uncover the secret behind mysterious artifacts known as the Crystal Skulls.

Watch on Disney+

8 'Jungle Cruise' (2021)

Directed by jaume collet-serra.

Jungle Cruise was highly anticipated as it brought two very talented and amazing actors together on screen – Emily Blunt and Dwayne Johnson . In this adventurous escapade, fans see a doctor and her brother embark on a trip to the lush Amazon forests to find a lost tree with supposed magical powers.

Of course, their journey has hindrances caused by evil villains who want to use the tree for their malicious purposes and spread their villainous agenda. Jungle Cruise is a fun way to enjoy the marvelous setting and get lost in the world of the Amazon. Don't expect any innovative twists or brilliant writing, though, as it's a basic jungle adventure movie that doesn't try to be anything else. For those looking for a family-friendly flick, this is the perfect one – enjoy it enough and there's a sequel available to watch, too!

Jungle Cruise

7 'jumanji: welcome to the jungle' (2017), directed by jake kasdan.

Even with a simple plot, Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle is so hilarious that it's impossible not to laugh. The film embraces the ridiculous concept of being sucked into a video game – which the original Jumanji game transformed into to fit modern times – but never insults the intelligence of the audience. Adult avatars from the present play alongside other players stuck in the game since the '90s, and they all desperately try to escape.

Featuring Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart , Jack Black , Karen Gillan , and a sweet cameo by Nick Jonas , this film is an action extravaganza made to entertain. It does take inspiration from the vintage classic Jumanji game but comes out with a clearer direction and plot. Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle may not live up to its predecessors, but there's no denying it's at least decently entertaining.

Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle

Four teenagers are sucked into a magical video game, and the only way they can escape is to work together to finish the game.

Watch on Hulu

6 'Tropic Thunder' (2008)

Directed by ben stiller.

Tropic Thunder has failings, but at its core, it is an absurd and deliciously wicked satire movie that exposes everything that is wrong with Hollywood. Parodying many classic films based on the Vietnam War, Tropic Thunder follows a group of obnoxious actors shooting their own war movie. When their director accidentally dies in an accident after leaving them in a jungle, the actors have to use what little skills they have to make it out alive.

Tropic Thunder is packed with hilarious and endlessly quotable lines , as well as two scene-stealing performances by Matthew McConaughey and Tom Cruise . Some of the best comedians and actors of the twenty-first century kicked off the century with a bang in this massive ensemble production that lived up to the hype at the time of its release and is still beloved by fans today.

Tropic Thunder

5 'king kong' (2005), directed by peter jackson.

King Kong has been remade multiple times by different filmmakers with more diverse perspectives on the portrayal of the magnificent Gorilla aka King Kong. The movie follows Carl Denham and his crew as they come across a giant ape on Skull Island and imprison it in order to bring it to New York. They run into trouble when the giant ape is released into the city.

A fantastic and exciting film on the whole, King Kong 's plot is epic, with more action and new astounding creatures. This remake contains more action than the original, and obviously maximizes CGI (even though it hasn't aged entirely well). While definitely not director Peter Jackson 's best work (an honor that remains with the Lord of the Rings trilogy), it's a decent enough modern adaptation of the classic story.

4 'Tarzan' (1999)

Directed by kevin lima, chris buck.

A beloved Disney classic, Tarzan is an animated film that needs no introduction. The movie tells the tale of the titular protagonist (voiced by Tony Goldwyn ), a human orphan left in the jungle who is adopted by his gorilla family. He struggles with his identity and place in the world growing up, which becomes even more prominent with the arrival of a group of humans – including the vibrant Jane Porter ( Minnie Driver ).

The rewatchable animated Disney film has everything, from groundbreaking animation to catchy musical numbers to an inspiring heartfelt story. Its story about identity and the meaning of family is wonderfully told against the backdrop of a gorgeous (and sometimes unforgiving) jungle. While some of its aspects haven't aged well, the classic is still worth revisiting with family members today.

3 'The Jungle Book' (1967)

The Jungle Book is an evergreen classic that has been one of the most widely read and watched movies in the history of cinema. The adventures of Mowgli, the hunger of the iconic animated villain Shere Khan, and a pack of wild animals come together to create this masterpiece of a story.

Heartwarming soundtracks and lessons about bravery, friendship, and life, in general, are some of the inspiring takeaways from The Jungle Book . With various animated and live-action iterations, this movie has been made and remade a lot of times over the years, but still manages to maintain the old-school charm of a Disney movie. The 1967 version is undoubtedly still the best, with as much heart and humor as it did when it first premiered.

2 'Jurassic Park' Movies (1993 - 2001)

Spanning seven thrilling movies over almost two decades, the Jurassic Park franchise has nothing but the best in store. A first-of-its-kind plot that explored the comeback of dinosaurs to disrupt the modern world was loved by all and immediately became a huge part of cinematic history.

Along with rampaging monsters and scientific experiments gone wrong, the movies have continuously featured a strong star cast that managed to attract audiences from across the world. The most recent movie, Jurassic Park: Dominion , seemed to be the end of the franchise, which has seen a steady decline in quality. That said, those looking for a nail-biting jungle survival movie may want to check out the first three entries in this award-winning film series.

Jurassic Park

1 'predator' (1987), directed by john mctiernan.

Predator was part of Arnold Schwarzenegger 's string of 1980s hits : half testosterone-drenched shootout movie, half sci-fi horror that dismantles (limb by limb) the action genre and the men who feature in them, who find all their guns and unified body mass completely pointless against a superior warrior who hunts humans for sport.

Predator became an instant action classic thanks to the dreaded creature, one-liners, sweltering jungle setting , and John McTiernan 's directorial style. It's the ultimate jungle movie that birthed a legendary franchise that's still going strong today, with Prey marking a great move forward for the classic film series.

Watch on Max

NEXT: The Best Adventure Movies of All Time, Ranked According to IMDb

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The 40+ Best Jungle Adventure Movies, Ranked

Ranker Film

Exploring the depths of the jungle has always been a thrilling theme in cinema, and jungle movies bring these adventures to life with vivid storytelling and captivating visuals. This jungle movies list celebrates the most enthralling films set in these dense, mysterious environments, where characters face the untamed wilderness. From the classic King Kong to the exciting Romancing the Stone and Six Days Seven Nights , this collection showcases a diverse range of jungle films, including adventure movies in the jungle and even funny jungle movies.

Each film on this list offers a unique glimpse into the heart of the jungle. Apocalypse Now , a standout in war jungle movies, presents a darker journey set against the backdrop of the Vietnam War in Cambodia. In contrast, Predator is a jungle adventure movie that combines science fiction with survival, featuring a battle between Arnold Schwarzenegger and an extraterrestrial threat in Central America. Other notable films that make this list include Jumanji , The Blue Lagoon , and The African Queen , each offering a different perspective on movies set in the jungle.

What makes this list special is its crowd-ranked nature, shaped by movie enthusiasts like you. It's a compilation not just of titles but of experiences and memories associated with these jungle adventures. Do you have a favorite among these jungle movies? Elevate it by giving it a thumbs up and share your most memorable scenes in the comments. Dive into this list and rediscover the wild, untamed beauty of the jungle through the lens of cinema.

Jurassic Park

Jurassic Park

This thrilling jungle adventure, directed by the legendary Steven Spielberg, follows paleontologists Alan Grant (Sam Neill) and Ellie Sattler (Laura Dern), as well as mathematician Ian Malcolm (Jeff Goldblum), on an exclusive tour of a dinosaur-populated island theme park. Despite assurances from the park's creator, billionaire John Hammond (Richard Attenborough), that everything is under control, chaos erupts when these ferocious prehistoric creatures break free and start hunting. Jurassic Park stands out as one of the best jungle adventure movies due to its groundbreaking visual effects, captivating storyline, and unforgettable suspenseful moments.

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Predator

In this thrilling adventure, Dutch (Arnold Schwarzenegger) leads a team of mercenaries on a covert mission to rescue trapped politicians in Guatemala. As they navigate the treacherous terrain, they discover a string of gruesome deaths and soon realize that they are being hunted by an incredibly powerful and stealthy extraterrestrial creature. With its heart-pounding action and iconic predator antagonist, this film has become one of the best jungle adventure movies ever made.

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King Kong

Peter Jackson breathes new life into the timeless tale with his epic retelling of King Kong, taking audiences deep into the mysterious Skull Island. The story follows filmmaker Carl Denham (Jack Black), playwright Jack Driscoll (Adrien Brody), and actress Ann Darrow (Naomi Watts) as they embark on an ambitious movie project only to encounter the colossal ape known as Kong. Combining stunning visuals with high-stakes adventure among prehistoric creatures, this captivating film showcases both tender moments between Ann and her gargantuan captor while delivering edge-of-your-seat action sequences that make it a standout in jungle adventure cinema.

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Romancing the Stone

Romancing the Stone

Romancing the Stone is a thrilling tale of an unassuming romance novelist who finds herself embarking on a daring quest in the wilds of Colombia to rescue her sister from ruthless kidnappers. With the aid of a fearless mercenary, they must navigate treacherous terrain and overcome countless obstacles to locate a priceless gem hidden within a mysterious treasure map.

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Apocalypto

Apocalypto showcases the Mayan civilization's peak while highlighting its impending downfall. The rulers' desperate attempts to maintain power lead them to capture Jaguar Paw (Rudy Youngblood), a serene hunter from a distant tribe and his entire village, for sacrificial purposes. As one of the best jungle adventure films, Apocalypto follows Jaguar Paw's daring escape and nail-biting journey back to his pregnant wife and son amidst an unforgiving landscape teeming with danger.

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Jumanji

This exciting adventure movie revolves around siblings Peter (Bradley Pierce) and Judy Shepherd (Kirsten Dunst), who stumble upon a mysterious, jungle-themed board game called Jumanji in an old mansion's attic. As they begin to play, they inadvertently release Alan Parrish (Robin Williams), a man trapped within the game for years. In this captivating film filled with giant bugs, mischievous monkeys, and stampeding rhinos, the children must win the game to free Alan permanently and survive its treacherous challenges.

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Kong: Skull Island

Kong: Skull Island

This thrilling 2017 monster film, directed by Jordan Vogt-Roberts, breathes new life into the King Kong franchise as it takes its place as the second installment in Legendary's Godzilla-Kong cinematic universe. Set in the 1970s, viewers follow a daring group of explorers and soldiers who journey deep into an uncharted Pacific island filled with both breathtaking beauty and perilous danger. Little do they know that they've entered the realm of monsters, including the legendary Kong himself, who rules over this wild jungle kingdom.

The African Queen

The African Queen

Journey through war-torn Africa with a headstrong spinster (Katharine Hepburn) and a rough-around-the-edges steamer captain (Humphrey Bogart) as they embark on a daring mission to take down a German gunboat. This classic jungle adventure film keeps you on the edge of your seat, as the duo battles both external enemies and their own clashing personalities.

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Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle

Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle

Four high school students stumble upon an ancient video game console and find themselves transported into its wild world, taking on the personas of their chosen adult avatars. Quickly realizing that Jumanji isn't just a game but a fight for survival, they embark on a perilous journey to uncover secrets left behind by Alan Parrish two decades prior. Along the way, they learn valuable lessons about themselves and must adapt in order to conquer the game and return home or risk being trapped within Jumanji forever.

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Planet of the Apes

Planet of the Apes

Three astronauts find themselves stranded on a futuristic planet dominated by highly intelligent apes. These remarkable simians not only walk upright and communicate verbally but have also established a complex social hierarchy and political system. As one of the best jungle adventure films, Planet of the Apes captivates audiences as it explores thought-provoking sociological themes while showcasing the astronauts' struggle to survive in their newfound roles as imprisoned members of an inferior species.

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Jurassic Park III

Jurassic Park III

Alan Grant (Sam Neill) is enticed by a wealthy businessman to embark on an aerial tour of Isla Sorna, the second site of InGen's failed Jurassic Park experiment. However, he soon uncovers the real motive behind his invitation as a disastrous accident leaves their party of seven stranded amidst prehistoric predators. As one of the best jungle adventure movies, Jurassic Park III will keep you on the edge of your seat as they battle to survive and escape from the terrifying island.

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Apocalypse Now

Apocalypse Now

Set against the backdrop of the Vietnam War in 1970, this gripping jungle adventure follows Captain Willard (Martin Sheen) as he embarks on a dangerous and surreal quest upriver to locate and eliminate Colonel Kurtz (Marlon Brando), an officer who has allegedly lost his sanity. Alongside a motley crew of street-smart kids, a surf-loving Air Cavalry officer (Robert Duvall), and an unhinged freelance photographer (Dennis Hopper), Willard delves deeper into the heart of darkness with each passing moment.

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Anaconda

Join Terri Flores (Jennifer Lopez) and her crew as they venture deep into the Amazon jungle in search of a lost tribe. Along the way, they encounter a mysterious man named Paul (Jon Voight), who offers to guide them but raises suspicions with his secretive actions. This thrilling jungle adventure takes an unexpected turn when it's revealed that Paul is actually using the group to hunt down a legendary, highly valuable anaconda – leading to heart-pounding suspense and action amongst the lush tropical backdrop.

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Rambo: First Blood Part II

Rambo: First Blood Part II

John Rambo (Sylvester Stallone) finds himself offered a chance at redemption by his former boss, Col. Troutman (Richard Crenna). Tasked with traveling to Vietnam to locate American prisoners of war, Rambo's criminal record hangs in the balance as he embarks on a dangerous reconnaissance mission. However, when tragedy strikes and his Vietnamese lover Co Bao (Julia Nickson) is killed by American forces, Rambo abandons his initial promise and takes justice into his own hands in this unforgettable action-packed film set deep within the wild jungles of Vietnam.

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The Lost World: Jurassic Park

The Lost World: Jurassic Park

When John Hammond (Richard Attenborough) reveals to chaos theorist Ian Malcolm (Jeff Goldblum) that there's a hidden second island housing more dinosaurs, the stage is set for an exhilarating jungle adventure. As one of the best in its genre, this film showcases thriving and breeding dinosaurs on this secret island, with Hammond urging Malcolm to document these magnificent creatures before corporate interests take over.

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Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull

Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull

Set amidst the tense atmosphere of the Cold War, renowned archaeologist Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford) faces potential job loss at Marshall College after returning from a thrilling adventure. He soon encounters Mutt (Shia La Beouf), an eager young man seeking Indy's help in locating the fabled Crystal Skull of Akator in Peru.

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Jungle Cruise

Jungle Cruise

Join the thrilling adventure as Dr. Lily Houghton teams up with the charming and witty skipper Frank Wolff to embark on a daring journey down the Amazon River in his rickety boat. As one of the best jungle adventure movies, they navigate through treacherous waters and face countless dangers in their quest for an ancient tree that possesses incredible healing powers.

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King Kong

Venture into the thrilling world of Skull Island, where a research team sets sail to uncover its rumored oil-rich lands. Along the way, they rescue shipwreck survivor Dwan (Jessica Lange) and encounter an indigenous tribe living in fear of a mysterious beast known as Kong. This captivating jungle adventure film takes you on an emotional rollercoaster as our heroes save Dwan from being sacrificed to the colossal ape, only for him to be captured and put on display in a spectacular exhibition.

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Congo

Embark on a treacherous journey into the heart of the African jungle in Congo, where a group led by expert guide Kelly searches for a missing diamond-hunting team. Alongside primatologist Dr. Peter Elliot and treasure hunter Herkermer Homolka, they uncover dangers far beyond their wildest imagination. This gripping tale combines mystery, suspense, and unexpected twists for an exhilarating jungle adventure like no other.

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Tomb Raider

Tomb Raider

Meet Lara Croft, the tenacious and fearless daughter of a missing eccentric adventurer. Determined to uncover her father's mysterious disappearance, she embarks on a treacherous quest to his last known location: a legendary tomb on an enigmatic island potentially near Japan's coast. Tomb Raider showcases Lara's wit, unwavering faith, and unyielding spirit as she navigates the unknown with everything at stake.

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Predators

In this thrilling jungle adventure, a group of lethal killers led by a mercenary (Adrien Brody) find themselves on an unknown planet being hunted by a new breed of fearsome aliens. As they navigate through the dense jungle, the team must band together to survive or risk becoming trophies for their intergalactic predators.

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Jumanji: The Next Level

Jumanji: The Next Level

In this thrilling sequel, Spencer unexpectedly returns to the perilous realm of Jumanji, prompting his friends Martha, Fridge, and Bethany to dive back in and rescue him. As one of the best jungle adventure movies, this film cleverly elevates the stakes with a malfunctioning game that challenges its players like never before. With unexpected twists and heightened danger around every corner, our heroes must adapt and overcome new obstacles in their quest to save their friend while navigating an ever-changing world.

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The Rundown

The Rundown

Bounty hunter Beck (The Rock), known for his aversion to guns and no-questions-asked attitude, is sent deep into the Amazon rainforest to locate his employer's son Travis (Seann William Scott). However, they soon find themselves entangled in a battle against an oppressive treasure hunter (Christopher Walken) controlling local inhabitants.

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The Legend of Tarzan

The Legend of Tarzan

In this thrilling 2016 adventure film, we follow the story of Tarzan as he returns to his jungle roots. Having adapted to life in London, Tarzan is summoned back to investigate suspicious activities at a mining encampment.

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The Emerald Forest

The Emerald Forest

When his son Tommy is abducted by a native tribe during a family trip to design a dam project, Bill Markham (Powers Boothe) embarks on an intense decade-long search for him. As Bill finally reunites with Tommy (Charley Boorman), now fully immersed in tribal life, they face new challenges when another group attacks their newfound family – making The Emerald Forest one unforgettable journey through cultural clashes and self-discovery.

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Jungle

Based on a true story , Jungle follows adventurer Yossi Ghinsberg (Daniel Radcliffe) as he joins an expedition into the perilous Bolivian jungle with a group of fellow travelers. When things take a dangerous turn, survival becomes their top priority in this gripping biographical drama. The lush setting and harrowing tale make Jungle not only captivating but also one of the most memorable jungle adventure movies.

Six Days Seven Nights

Six Days Seven Nights

Embark on a thrilling jungle adventure with Harrison Ford and Anne Heche in this 1998 comedy film, directed by Ivan Reitman. The duo finds themselves stranded on a deserted island after their plane crashes, leading to unexpected twists and turns as they navigate the wild terrain. Filmed amidst the breathtaking beauty of Kauai, Six Days Seven Nights is an exhilarating ride that showcases the perfect blend of action, humor, and romance.

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King Solomon's Mines

King Solomon's Mines

Experience an epic African expedition based on H. Rider Haggard's novel as you follow a daring rescue party searching for a missing explorer who vanished while seeking King Solomon's legendary treasure trove. Traversing through treacherous jungles swamps and deserts across Africa; this team encounters unimaginable dangers while being driven by hope for unimaginable wealth hidden within Solomon's mines. A classic example of jungle adventure storytelling at its finest.

The Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon

Anchored by Brooke Shields and Christopher Atkins' compelling performances, the film unravels the saga of two young cousins shipwrecked on a tropical island with no supervision. Through a unique blend of survival drama and coming-of-age romance, it depicts their growth from innocence to adolescent love and finally to parenthood. This iconic 1980 film garnered worldwide attention for its bold depiction of young love and naturalism, making an indelible mark on the genre of romantic survival dramas.

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Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle

Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle

Dive into the enchanting world of Mowgli as he navigates life among his animal family in the Indian jungles. Under the guidance of wise Baloo and cunning Bagheera, Mowgli faces numerous challenges including confronting fearsome tiger Shere Khan who despises him. As one of the best adaptations exploring self-discovery amidst nature's beauty and perils, Mowgli: Legend of The Jungle offers both heartwarming moments and edge-of-your-seat excitement throughout its compelling narrative.

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A Stork's Journey Streaming: Watch & Stream Online via Starz

A Stork’s Journey Streaming: Watch & Stream Online via Starz

By Areeba Masood

A Stork’s Journey is an animated movie of the fantasy genre. It follows Richard, a tiny sparrow raised by storks, who has a dream of being something he is not. When the storks migrate south for the winter, Richard defies the odds and takes a ride on a hilarious, unforgettable adventure that proves you can belong anywhere, even with mismatched feathers.

Here’s how you can watch and stream A Stork’s Journey via streaming services such as Starz.

Is A Stork’s Journey available to watch via streaming?

Yes, A Stork’s Journey is available to watch via streaming on Starz .

Richard the sparrow doesn’t see himself as small or different. Raised by a family of storks, he dreams of soaring alongside them. But when winter chills the air and the storks prepare for their epic migration south, Richard faces a difficult truth: he’s not built for the long journey. Determined to prove his loyalty and courage, Richard embarks on a daring secret adventure, filled with unlikely friendships and hilarious mishaps, to find his place in the flock.

The movie’s cast features Cooper Kelly Kramer as Richard, the sparrow, Shannon Conley as Olga, the owl, and Marc Thompson as Kiki, the parakeet.

Watch A Stork’s Journey streaming via Starz

A Stork’s Journey is available to watch on Starz .

Starz is a streaming service that showcases bold stories. Starz features original shows with diverse characters and edgy plots. Some titles include Outlander a historical drama and Power which showcases the world of the wealthy.

You can watch via Starz by following these steps:

  • Go to Starz.com’s sign-up page .
  • The standard rate for the six-month plan is $46, excluding any special offers
  • The standard for the monthly plan is $9.99 per month, excluding any special offers

Starz is also available as a Prime Video Channel, meaning that subscribers to the Amazon Prime Video service can also receive discounted access to Starz. The discounts offered vary throughout the year. You can sign up here .

A Stork’s Journey’s synopsis is as follows:

“Orphaned at birth and raised by storks, teenage sparrow Richard believes he is one of them. But when the time comes to migrate to Africa, his stork family is forced to reveal his true identity and leave him behind in the forest, since he is not a migratory bird and would not survive the journey. Determined to prove he is a stork, after all, Richard ventures south on his own. But only with the help of Olga, an eccentric owl with an imaginary friend, and Kiki, a narcissistic, disco-singing parakeet, does he stand a chance to reach his goal and learn to accept who he is.”

NOTE: The streaming services listed above are subject to change. The information provided was correct at the time of writing.

The Thursday Murder Club: Netflix Acquires Rights to Mystery Movie Adaptation

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As a versatile writer with a background in graphic design and two years of experience in academic writing, Areeba infuses creativity and precision into every project. Specializing in entertainment media, including TV series and movies, she brings captivating narratives to life, offering fresh perspectives on the ever-evolving landscape of cinema.

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The Thursday Murder Club: Netflix Acquires Rights to Mystery Movie Adaptation

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‘Spy x Family Code: White’ Review: Espionage and Culinary Adventure Collide in an Amusing Anime Spinoff

Takashi Katagiri, who directed season 2 of the series, continues the characters' journey with some inconsequential fun in the franchise's first feature.

By Siddhant Adlakha

Siddhant Adlakha

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Spy x Family Code: White

“ Spy x Family Code: White” is a fun, accessible jumping-on point for anyone unfamiliar with the “Spy x Family” anime, or the manga on which it’s based. However, in slowing down to let newcomers catch up, it tends to lack momentum. The plot isn’t strictly tied to the the comic or the show’s two seasons (it’s yet to be renewed for a third), but it picks up with the same basic premise: a found family with secret lives and abilities, which they keep guarded from one another, while a non-specific political conflict looms on the horizon.

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In fact, while the dangers of this conflict brew in the background, Loid, Yor and Anya set off on an mostly unrelated, much more whimsical adventure that feels only tangentially connected to the larger conflict (and doesn’t actually collide with it until nearly an hour in). In order to help Anya get closer to her target classmate, Loid plans to help her win a baking competition at school, for which he suggests making a famous, tart-like dessert native to a snowy, Swiss-inspired region. He has covert reasons for wanting to travel there, but the confectionary contest ends up being a good excuse to keep the family together for most of the film.

Director Takashi Katagiri , who also helmed the show’s second season, takes a farcical approach to this unserious plot set against a deathly serious backdrop. Scenes of grocery shopping at a winter market arrive with the bustling intensity of a reconnaissance mission, while lists of ingredients are handled and presented with all the pomp and circumstance of Yu-Gi-Oh! cards. Before long, an overtly fascist military leader crosses paths with the family and not only steals their fancy dessert, but secretly threatens to plunge the world into war — two consequences the movie treats with equal weight and urgency. It’s all a bit goofy, but it means to be.

“Spy x Family Code: White” is far more chuckle-worthy than laugh-out-loud funny, but there’s an innocent, adolescent charm to even its jokes that miss the mark. The big-screen budget allows Katagiri a sense of fluidity and visual freedom, so he presents action scenes in dynamic motion (compared to the show’s more static sequences). While the recurring gags rarely extend beyond poop jokes, kids in the audience will probably get a kick out of the whole affair. The film does try to be serious and sentimental at times — often to no avail — but at least it’s never boring.

Reviewed online, April 16, 2023. MPA Rating: PG-13. Running time: 110 MIN.

  • Production: (Animated – Japan) A Crunchyroll, Sony Pictures Entertainment release of a Wit Studio, CloverWorks production.
  • Crew: Director: Takashi Katagiri. Screenplay: Ichiro Ohkouchi; story: Tatsuya Endo. Editor: Akari Saito. Music: (K)now Name.
  • With: Takuya Eguchi, Atsumi Tanezaki, Saori Hayami, Kenichirou Matsuda, Hiroyuki Yoshino. (Japanese dialogue)

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Great Adventure Movies / The Best Adventure Movies

Adventure and Action movies often get lumped together as one genre. This is a list of Adventure movies that I have assembled. I really love some of them. Others are not so good. I add new ones as I remember them or find them. You won't find many sci-fi / fantasy movies on this list. (including LOTR, Harry Potter, Princess Bride etc...) I was really going for the whole Indiana Jones type genre.

  • Movies or TV
  • IMDb Rating
  • In Theaters
  • Release Year

1. Freelance (2023)

R | 108 min | Action, Comedy

An ex-special forces operative takes a job to provide security for a journalist as she interviews a dictator, but when a military coup breaks out in the middle of the interview, they are forced to escape into the jungle.

Director: Pierre Morel | Stars: John Cena , Alison Brie , Juan Pablo Raba , Christian Slater

Votes: 17,127

Waiting to stream it.

2. Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny (2023)

PG-13 | 154 min | Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi

Archaeologist Indiana Jones races against time to retrieve a legendary artifact that can change the course of history.

Director: James Mangold | Stars: Harrison Ford , Phoebe Waller-Bridge , Antonio Banderas , Karen Allen

Votes: 198,164

I don't know what movie the critics saw, but this was a really fun movie. Not as good as 1 & 3 but better than 2 & 4.

3. Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (2008)

PG-13 | 122 min | Action, Adventure

Indiana Jones becomes entangled in a Soviet plot to uncover the secret behind mysterious artifacts known as the Crystal Skulls.

Director: Steven Spielberg | Stars: Harrison Ford , Cate Blanchett , Shia LaBeouf , Karen Allen

Votes: 491,312 | Gross: $317.10M

Let's go for more adventures, Indy!

4. Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989)

PG-13 | 127 min | Action, Adventure

In 1938, after his father goes missing while pursuing the Holy Grail, Indiana Jones finds himself up against the Nazis again to stop them from obtaining its powers.

Director: Steven Spielberg | Stars: Harrison Ford , Sean Connery , Alison Doody , Denholm Elliott

Votes: 810,719 | Gross: $197.17M

Probably the second best of the five.

5. Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984)

PG | 118 min | Action, Adventure

In 1935, Indiana Jones is tasked by Indian villagers with reclaiming a rock stolen from them by a secret cult beneath the catacombs of an ancient palace.

Director: Steven Spielberg | Stars: Harrison Ford , Kate Capshaw , Ke Huy Quan , Amrish Puri

Votes: 535,122 | Gross: $179.87M

My son loves Short Round more than Indy.

6. Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)

PG | 115 min | Action, Adventure

In 1936, archaeologist and adventurer Indiana Jones is hired by the U.S. government to find the Ark of the Covenant before the Nazis can obtain its awesome powers.

Director: Steven Spielberg | Stars: Harrison Ford , Karen Allen , Paul Freeman , John Rhys-Davies

Votes: 1,036,613 | Gross: $248.16M

The standard of all adventure movies.

7. The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles (1992–1993)

TV-G | 45 min | Action, Adventure, Family

The adventures of the archaeological treasure hunter in his youth as related by an elderly Indiana Jones.

Stars: Sean Patrick Flanery , George Hall , Corey Carrier , Ronny Coutteure

Votes: 8,677

I've been working my way through this series for over a year. The special features are like an education in history.

8. Jungle Cruise (2021)

PG-13 | 127 min | Action, Adventure, Comedy

Based on Disneyland's theme park ride where a small riverboat takes a group of travelers through a jungle filled with dangerous animals and reptiles but with a supernatural element.

Director: Jaume Collet-Serra | Stars: Dwayne Johnson , Emily Blunt , Edgar Ramírez , Jack Whitehall

Votes: 212,387 | Gross: $116.99M

It was fun.

9. Uncharted (2022)

PG-13 | 116 min | Action, Adventure

Street-smart Nathan Drake is recruited by seasoned treasure hunter Victor "Sully" Sullivan to recover a fortune amassed by Ferdinand Magellan, and lost 500 years ago by the House of Moncada.

Director: Ruben Fleischer | Stars: Tom Holland , Mark Wahlberg , Antonio Banderas , Sophia Ali

Votes: 259,066 | Gross: $148.65M

I saw it at the theater. Totally fun.

10. The Lost City (2022)

PG-13 | 112 min | Action, Adventure, Comedy

A reclusive romance novelist on a book tour with her cover model gets swept up in a kidnapping attempt that lands them both in a cutthroat jungle adventure.

Directors: Aaron Nee , Adam Nee | Stars: Sandra Bullock , Channing Tatum , Daniel Radcliffe , Da'Vine Joy Randolph

Votes: 158,492 | Gross: $105.34M

Often compared to Romancing the Stone. Not quite that good, but entertaining nonetheless.

11. Romancing the Stone (1984)

PG | 106 min | Action, Adventure, Comedy

A mousy romance novelist sets off for Colombia to ransom her kidnapped sister, and soon finds herself in the middle of a dangerous adventure hunting for treasure with a mercenary rogue.

Director: Robert Zemeckis | Stars: Michael Douglas , Kathleen Turner , Danny DeVito , Zack Norman

Votes: 103,262 | Gross: $76.57M

South American Adventure plus great chemistry between the sexes.

12. The Jewel of the Nile (1985)

When Joan Wilder is abducted while on a trip along the Nile, her boyfriend, Jack Colton, and pal Ralph rush to rescue her and retrieve a fabled jewel.

Director: Lewis Teague | Stars: Michael Douglas , Kathleen Turner , Danny DeVito , Spyros Fokas

Votes: 62,474 | Gross: $75.97M

As much as I loved the original...maybe, just maybe...this one shouldn't have been made.

13. National Treasure (2004)

PG | 131 min | Action, Adventure, Mystery

A historian races to find the legendary Templar Treasure before a team of mercenaries.

Director: Jon Turteltaub | Stars: Nicolas Cage , Diane Kruger , Justin Bartha , Sean Bean

Votes: 355,039 | Gross: $173.01M

Revising American history adventure.

14. National Treasure: Book of Secrets (2007)

PG | 124 min | Action, Adventure, Mystery

Benjamin Gates must follow a clue left in John Wilkes Booth 's diary to prove his ancestor's innocence in the assassination of Abraham Lincoln .

Director: Jon Turteltaub | Stars: Nicolas Cage , Diane Kruger , Justin Bartha , Jon Voight

Votes: 253,507 | Gross: $219.96M

Number 3 is on the way... so they say.

15. National Treasure 3

Action, Adventure, Family | Announced

The plot is unknown at this time.

Star: Ray Gaspard

The word is out from Jerry Bruckheimer. It is happening.

16. National Treasure: Edge of History (2022–2023)

TV-14 | 50 min | Action, Adventure, Mystery

Jess Valenzuela, a 20-year-old Dreamer, sets off on an exploration to discover the mystery of her family history, and, with the help of her friends, seeks to recover historical lost treasure.

Stars: Lisette Olivera , Zuri Reed , Antonio Cipriano , Jordan Rodrigues

Votes: 12,960

Watched these over a weekend. Fun... but not as much as the movies.

17. Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (2001)

PG-13 | 100 min | Action, Adventure, Fantasy

Video game adventurer Lara Croft comes to life in a movie where she races against time and villains to recover powerful ancient artifacts.

Director: Simon West | Stars: Angelina Jolie , Jon Voight , Iain Glen , Noah Taylor

Votes: 218,908 | Gross: $131.14M

Angelina did a pretty good job.

18. Lara Croft: Tomb Raider - The Cradle of Life (2003)

PG-13 | 117 min | Action, Adventure, Fantasy

Adventurer Lara Croft goes on a quest to save the mythical Pandora's Box, before an evil scientist finds it, and recruits a former Marine turned mercenary to assist her.

Director: Jan de Bont | Stars: Angelina Jolie , Gerard Butler , Chris Barrie , Ciarán Hinds

Votes: 144,834 | Gross: $65.66M

Another sequel gone wrong.

19. Tomb Raider (2018)

PG-13 | 119 min | Action, Adventure, Fantasy

Lara Croft, the fiercely independent daughter of a missing adventurer, must push herself beyond her limits when she discovers the island where her father, Lord Richard Croft disappeared.

Director: Roar Uthaug | Stars: Alicia Vikander , Dominic West , Walton Goggins , Daniel Wu

Votes: 227,030 | Gross: $58.25M

Good reboot.

20. King Solomon's Mines (1985)

PG-13 | 100 min | Action, Adventure, Comedy

Fortune hunter Allan Quatermain teams up with a resourceful woman to help her find her missing father lost in the wilds of 1900s Africa while being pursued by hostile tribes and a rival German explorer.

Director: J. Lee Thompson | Stars: Richard Chamberlain , Sharon Stone , Herbert Lom , John Rhys-Davies

Votes: 14,912 | Gross: $15.06M

Cheezy "Indiana Jonesish" adventure.

21. Allan Quatermain and the Lost City of Gold (1986)

PG | 99 min | Action, Adventure, Comedy

Allan Quatermain once again teams up with Jesse Huston where the discovery of a mysterious old gold piece sends Quatermain looking for his long-lost brother, missing in the wilds of Africa after seeking a lost white race.

Director: Gary Nelson | Stars: Richard Chamberlain , Sharon Stone , James Earl Jones , Henry Silva

Votes: 10,373 | Gross: $3.75M

Pretty obvious rip off of Indiana Jones.

22. Allan Quatermain and the Spear of Destiny (2023)

61 min | Adventure

Allan Quatermain leads a team to stop a clandestine organization from reviving ancient evil. Through forgotten tombs and deadly jungles, they face deadly traps and Nazi zombies in an epic battle for humanity's fate.

Director: Marc Hamill | Stars: David Hardware , Eve Harding , Ryan Flamson , David Brown

Pretty low budget.

23. The Librarian: Quest for the Spear (2004 TV Movie)

Not Rated | 92 min | Action, Adventure, Comedy

A bookworm becomes the librarian. Same night a magical spear gets stolen and he's off to get some real life experience around the globe on his quest for the spear - starting with being thrown off a plane over Amazonas by his cute helper.

Director: Peter Winther | Stars: Noah Wyle , Sonya Walger , Bob Newhart , Kyle MacLachlan

Votes: 21,833

One of the most fun "made for TV" movies plus two sequels. Very similar to National Treasure. Very cheesy special effects.

24. The Librarian: Return to King Solomon's Mines (2006 TV Movie)

TV-PG | 92 min | Action, Adventure, Comedy

Librarian-turned-adventurer Flynn Carsen endeavors to find King Solomon's mines.

Director: Jonathan Frakes | Stars: Noah Wyle , Gabrielle Anwar , Bob Newhart , Jane Curtin

Votes: 15,834

Love these made for TV movies!

25. The Librarian III: The Curse of the Judas Chalice (2008 TV Movie)

TV-PG | 90 min | Action, Adventure, Comedy

Losing his girlfriend because he was at an auction getting the magical Philosopher's Stone, Flynn Carsen is ordered to take a vacation. In New Orleans he finds himself busy protecting the Judas Chalice and saving the world from vampires.

Director: Jonathan Frakes | Stars: Noah Wyle , Bruce Davison , Stana Katic , Bob Newhart

Votes: 14,148

This one is also a favorite.

26. Jack Hunter and the Lost Treasure of Ugarit (2008–2009) Episode: Jack Hunter and the Lost Treasure of Ugarit (2008)

PG | 94 min | Action, Adventure, Fantasy

Young archaeologist Jack Hunter planned only to take a picture of a cuneiform tablet from once unsurpassed Mesopotmian metropolis Ugarit in present Syria, but is caught and has to steal it ... See full summary  »

Director: Terry Cunningham | Stars: Ivan Sergei , Joanne Kelly , Thure Riefenstein , Susan Ward

Lead actor just doesn’t have the charisma of Harrison Ford.

27. Jack Hunter and the Lost Treasure of Ugarit (2008–2009) Episode: Jack Hunter and the Quest for Akhenaten's Tomb (2008)

Jack Hunter is abducted blindfolded to a Turkish US base to be recruited by the NSA, told his mentor was killed because Albert Littmann's Russian mob employer Doridanov want the ancient ... See full summary  »

Director: Terry Cunningham | Stars: Ivan Sergei , Joanne Kelly , Thure Riefenstein , Alaina Huffman

The two leading ladies are squabbling over an individual that neither has chemistry with.

28. Jack Hunter and the Lost Treasure of Ugarit (2008–2009) Episode: Jack Hunter and the Star of Heaven (2009)

Jack Hunter realizes the pharaoh's tomb being empty except for a Roman coin means the treasure was looted to Rome but later probably transferred the the new, Byzantine capital, ... See full summary  »

Director: Terry Cunningham | Stars: Ivan Sergei , Joanne Kelly , Thure Riefenstein , Mario Naim Bassil

There is an audience for movies like this.

29. Jurassic Park (1993)

PG-13 | 127 min | Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi

A pragmatic paleontologist touring an almost complete theme park on an island in Central America is tasked with protecting a couple of kids after a power failure causes the park's cloned dinosaurs to run loose.

Director: Steven Spielberg | Stars: Sam Neill , Laura Dern , Jeff Goldblum , Richard Attenborough

Votes: 1,066,646 | Gross: $402.45M

Prehistoric adventure.

30. The Lost World: Jurassic Park (1997)

PG-13 | 129 min | Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi

A research team is sent to the Jurassic Park Site B island to study the dinosaurs there, while an InGen team approaches with another agenda.

Director: Steven Spielberg | Stars: Jeff Goldblum , Julianne Moore , Pete Postlethwaite , Vince Vaughn

Votes: 443,865 | Gross: $229.09M

Where was Sam Neill?

31. Jurassic Park III (2001)

PG-13 | 92 min | Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi

A decidedly odd couple with ulterior motives convince Dr. Grant to go to Isla Sorna for a holiday, but their unexpected landing startles the island's new inhabitants.

Director: Joe Johnston | Stars: Sam Neill , William H. Macy , Téa Leoni , Alessandro Nivola

Votes: 340,908 | Gross: $181.17M

Better than 2.

32. Jurassic World (2015)

PG-13 | 124 min | Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi

A new theme park, built on the original site of Jurassic Park, creates a genetically modified hybrid dinosaur, the Indominus Rex, which escapes containment and goes on a killing spree.

Director: Colin Trevorrow | Stars: Chris Pratt , Bryce Dallas Howard , Ty Simpkins , Judy Greer

Votes: 679,213 | Gross: $652.27M

Chris Pratt was a good choice.

33. Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom (2018)

PG-13 | 128 min | Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi

When the island's dormant volcano begins roaring to life, Owen and Claire mount a campaign to rescue the remaining dinosaurs from this extinction-level event.

Director: J.A. Bayona | Stars: Chris Pratt , Bryce Dallas Howard , Rafe Spall , Justice Smith

Votes: 343,701 | Gross: $417.72M

Great cast!

34. Jurassic World Dominion (2022)

PG-13 | 147 min | Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi

Four years after the destruction of Isla Nublar, Biosyn operatives attempt to track down Maisie Lockwood, while Dr Ellie Sattler investigates a genetically engineered swarm of giant insects.

Director: Colin Trevorrow | Stars: Chris Pratt , Bryce Dallas Howard , Laura Dern , Sam Neill

Votes: 204,642 | Gross: $376.85M

35. Journey to the Center of the Earth (2008)

PG | 93 min | Action, Adventure, Family

On a quest to find out what happened to his missing brother, a scientist, his nephew and their mountain guide discover a fantastic and dangerous lost world in the center of the earth.

Director: Eric Brevig | Stars: Brendan Fraser , Josh Hutcherson , Aníta Briem , Seth Meyers

Votes: 131,762 | Gross: $101.70M

Sci-Fi Adventure

36. Journey 2: The Mysterious Island (2012)

PG | 94 min | Action, Adventure, Comedy

Sean Anderson partners with his mom's husband on a mission to find his grandfather, who is thought to be missing on a mythical island.

Director: Brad Peyton | Stars: Josh Hutcherson , Dwayne Johnson , Michael Caine , Luis Guzmán

Votes: 112,089 | Gross: $103.86M

Where's Brendan?

37. Jumanji (1995)

PG | 104 min | Adventure, Comedy, Family

When two kids find and play a magical board game, they release a man trapped in it for decades - and a host of dangers that can only be stopped by finishing the game.

Director: Joe Johnston | Stars: Robin Williams , Kirsten Dunst , Bonnie Hunt , Jonathan Hyde

Votes: 376,677 | Gross: $100.48M

Fun Fun Fun for the whole family. RIP Robin Williams.

38. Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle (2017)

PG-13 | 119 min | Action, Adventure, Comedy

Four teenagers are sucked into a magical video game, and the only way they can escape is to work together to finish the game.

Director: Jake Kasdan | Stars: Dwayne Johnson , Karen Gillan , Kevin Hart , Jack Black

Votes: 444,355 | Gross: $404.52M

39. Jumanji: The Next Level (2019)

PG-13 | 123 min | Action, Adventure, Comedy

In Jumanji: The Next Level, the gang is back but the game has changed. As they return to rescue one of their own, the players will have to brave parts unknown from arid deserts to snowy mountains, to escape the world's most dangerous game.

Director: Jake Kasdan | Stars: Dwayne Johnson , Jack Black , Kevin Hart , Karen Gillan

Votes: 283,045 | Gross: $316.83M

40. The Mummy (1999)

PG-13 | 124 min | Action, Adventure, Fantasy

At an archaeological dig in the ancient city of Hamunaptra, an American serving in the French Foreign Legion accidentally awakens a mummy who begins to wreak havoc as he searches for the reincarnation of his long-lost love.

Director: Stephen Sommers | Stars: Brendan Fraser , Rachel Weisz , John Hannah , Arnold Vosloo

Votes: 460,609 | Gross: $155.25M

Scary adventure.

41. The Mummy Returns (2001)

PG-13 | 130 min | Action, Adventure, Fantasy

The mummified body of Imhotep is shipped to a museum in London, where he once again wakes and begins his campaign of rage and terror.

Votes: 345,774 | Gross: $202.02M

More scary adventure.

42. The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor (2008)

PG-13 | 112 min | Action, Adventure, Fantasy

In the Far East, Alex O'Connell, the son of famed mummy fighters Rick and Evy O'Connell, unearths the mummy of the first Emperor of Qin -- a shape-shifting entity cursed by a witch centuries ago.

Director: Rob Cohen | Stars: Brendan Fraser , Jet Li , Maria Bello , Michelle Yeoh

Votes: 170,598 | Gross: $102.49M

It even produced a spinoff trilogy.

43. The Mummy (2017)

PG-13 | 110 min | Action, Adventure, Fantasy

An ancient Egyptian princess is awakened from her crypt beneath the desert, bringing with her malevolence grown over millennia and terrors that defy human comprehension.

Director: Alex Kurtzman | Stars: Tom Cruise , Sofia Boutella , Annabelle Wallis , Russell Crowe

Votes: 206,124 | Gross: $80.10M

Why, Mr. Cruise? If you’re going to reboot a franchise, do it better, not worse.

44. The Scorpion King (2002)

PG-13 | 92 min | Action, Adventure, Fantasy

A desert warrior rises up against the evil army that is destroying his homeland. He captures the enemy's key sorcerer, takes her deep into the desert and prepares for a final showdown.

Director: Chuck Russell | Stars: Dwayne Johnson , Steven Brand , Michael Clarke Duncan , Kelly Hu

Votes: 145,390 | Gross: $91.05M

Plus more sequels.

45. The Scorpion King 2: Rise of a Warrior (2008 Video)

PG-13 | 109 min | Action, Adventure, Fantasy

After witnessing his father's murder by the hand of the ruthless General Sargon, Mathayus travels to the Underworld to retrieve the enchanted Sword of Damocles from the dark deity, Astarte. Can he thwart the usurper's megalomaniac vision?

Director: Russell Mulcahy | Stars: Michael Copon , Karen David , Simon Quarterman , Tom Wu

Votes: 14,658

Should have never spun off this franchise.

46. The Scorpion King 3: Battle for Redemption (2012 Video)

PG-13 | 105 min | Action, Fantasy

Since his rise to power, Mathayus' kingdom has fallen. Now an assassin for hire, he must defend a kingdom from an evil tyrant and his ghost warriors for the chance to regain the power and glory he once knew.

Director: Roel Reiné | Stars: Dave Bautista , Bostin Christopher , Tanapol Chuksrida , Kevin 'Kimbo Slice' Ferguson

Votes: 9,137

Just horrible

47. The Scorpion King 4: Quest for Power (2015 Video)

PG-13 | 105 min | Action, Adventure, Fantasy

When he is betrayed by a trusted friend, Mathayus (Victor Webster) must marshal all his strength and cunning to outwit a formidable opponent who will stop at nothing to unlock a supreme ancient power.

Director: Mike Elliott | Stars: Victor Webster , Ellen Hollman , Will Kemp , Barry Bostwick

Votes: 3,943

Still making unnecessary sequels.

48. The Scorpion King: Book of Souls (2018 Video)

PG-13 | 102 min | Action, Adventure, Fantasy

The Scorpion King teams up with a female warrior named Tala, who is the sister of The Nubian King. Together they search for a legendary relic known as The Book of Souls, which will allow them to put an end to an evil warlord.

Director: Don Michael Paul | Stars: Zach McGowan , Nathan Jones , Howard Charles , Peter Mensah

Votes: 3,489

Let’s face it, The Scorpion King movies suck. Why are there more of them than, The Mummy movies?

49. Armour of God (1986)

R | 88 min | Action, Adventure, Comedy

Asian Hawk (Jackie Chan) and his bumbling sidekick are sent on a quest through Europe to find a mysterious treasure held by a shadowy organization of monks.

Directors: Jackie Chan , Eric Tsang | Stars: Jackie Chan , Alan Tam , Lola Forner , Rosamund Kwan

Votes: 22,044

Jackie was just dying to make an Indiana Jones knock off.

50. Armour of God 2: Operation Condor (1991)

PG-13 | 80 min | Action, Adventure, Comedy

Jackie is hired to help the UN find Nazi gold hidden in Sahara. He's accompanied from Spain by 2 (later 3) cute women. As there are others wanting the gold, lots of kung fu fighting and comedy follows.

Director: Jackie Chan | Stars: Jackie Chan , Carol 'Do Do' Cheng , Eva Cobo , Shôko Ikeda

Votes: 22,665 | Gross: $10.44M

Jackie Chan's shot at "Indiana Jones" plus a prequel Operation Condor 2 (made first) and a new one on the way.

51. Chinese Zodiac (2012)

PG-13 | 109 min | Action, Adventure, Comedy

A man searches the world for a set of mystic artifacts. The twelve bronze heads of the animals from the Chinese zodiac.

Director: Jackie Chan | Stars: Jackie Chan , Shu Qi , Xingtong Yao , Kwon Sang-woo

Votes: 24,491

The third in the Armour of God trilogy. It was fun.

52. Vanguard (2020)

PG-13 | 107 min | Action, Adventure, Comedy

Covert security company Vanguard is the last hope of survival for an accountant after he is targeted by the world's deadliest mercenary organization.

Director: Stanley Tong | Stars: Jackie Chan , Yang Yang , Lun Ai , Miya Muqi

Votes: 6,643

The latest of the Adventures of Jackie Chan.

53. Crocodile Dundee (1986)

PG-13 | 97 min | Action, Adventure, Comedy

An American reporter goes to the Australian outback to meet an eccentric crocodile poacher and invites him to New York City.

Director: Peter Faiman | Stars: Paul Hogan , Linda Kozlowski , John Meillon , David Gulpilil

Votes: 115,411 | Gross: $174.64M

Down under adventures. This one is more of a romantic comedy.

54. Crocodile Dundee II (1988)

PG | 108 min | Action, Adventure, Comedy

Australian outback expert protects his New York love from gangsters who've followed her down under.

Director: John Cornell | Stars: Paul Hogan , Linda Kozlowski , John Meillon , Ernie Dingo

Votes: 60,820 | Gross: $109.31M

Now that's a knife! This is the one that has the most adventure.

55. Crocodile Dundee in Los Angeles (2001)

PG | 95 min | Action, Adventure, Comedy

Australian Outback adventurer Mick "Crocodile" Dundee travels to Los Angeles with his young son while his longtime companion suspects foul play at a movie studio.

Director: Simon Wincer | Stars: Paul Hogan , Linda Kozlowski , Jere Burns , Jonathan Banks

Votes: 26,223 | Gross: $25.64M

"Na, I left me knife at home. I just have me pocket knife." This one is pretty much just a straight up attempt at 'fish out of water' comedy.

56. The Mask of Zorro (1998)

PG-13 | 136 min | Action, Adventure, Comedy

A young thief seeking revenge for his brother's death is trained by the once-great, aging Zorro, who is pursuing his own vengeance.

Director: Martin Campbell | Stars: Antonio Banderas , Anthony Hopkins , Catherine Zeta-Jones , José María de Tavira

Votes: 197,703 | Gross: $94.10M

Latino folklore adventure.

57. The Legend of Zorro (2005)

PG | 129 min | Action, Adventure, Romance

Despite trying to keep his swashbuckling to a minimum, a threat to California's pending statehood causes the adventure-loving Don Alejandro de la Vega and his wife, Elena, to take action.

Director: Martin Campbell | Stars: Antonio Banderas , Catherine Zeta-Jones , Rufus Sewell , Alberto Reyes

Votes: 107,613 | Gross: $46.46M

adventure that makes zzzzzzzzzzzzzz's

Action, Adventure, Drama | Pre-production

The western frontier has re-emerged and, as in the past, a hero will answer the people's cry for justice.

Director: Jonás Cuarón | Stars: Gael García Bernal , Kiersey Clemons

Coming soon...hopefully.

59. The Da Vinci Code (2006)

PG-13 | 149 min | Mystery, Thriller

A murder inside the Louvre, and clues in Da Vinci paintings, lead to the discovery of a religious mystery protected by a secret society for two thousand years, which could shake the foundations of Christianity.

Director: Ron Howard | Stars: Tom Hanks , Audrey Tautou , Jean Reno , Ian McKellen

Votes: 458,692 | Gross: $217.54M

I don't agree with the theories behind this one, but it is an entertaining movie.

60. Angels & Demons (2009)

PG-13 | 138 min | Action, Mystery, Thriller

Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon works with a nuclear physicist to solve a murder and prevent a terrorist act against the Vatican during one of the significant events within the church.

Director: Ron Howard | Stars: Tom Hanks , Ewan McGregor , Ayelet Zurer , Stellan Skarsgård

Votes: 309,507 | Gross: $133.38M

This one is a little better than the first.

61. Inferno (I) (2016)

PG-13 | 121 min | Action, Adventure, Crime

When Robert Langdon wakes up in an Italian hospital with amnesia, he teams up with Dr. Sienna Brooks and they race across Europe together against the clock to foil a deadly global plot.

Director: Ron Howard | Stars: Tom Hanks , Felicity Jones , Irrfan Khan , Ben Foster

Votes: 189,667 | Gross: $34.34M

Wrapping up the trilogy.

62. El Dorado (2010) Episode: City of Gold (2010)

Not Rated | 90 min | Action, Adventure, Fantasy

Jack and his girl Maria has found a clue leading to the fabled city of gold, Eldorado. But if that much gold would flood the market, the gold price would plummet and fortunes be lost, so a ... See full summary  »

Director: Terry Cunningham | Stars: Shane West , Luke Goss , Natalie Martinez , Elden Henson

63. El Dorado (2010) Episode: Temple of the Sun (2010)

After his friend dies in an explosion, Jack Wilder embarks on an expedition to find the golden calendar, which in turn leads him on a journey filled with adventure to find El Dorado, the mythical city of gold in South America.

64. El Dorado (2010)

Not Rated | 180 min | Action, Adventure, Fantasy

When archaeologist Jack Wilder is given Vicente De Valverde's diary by a friend, his search for the great city of gold, El Dorado, begins.

Stars: Shane West , Luke Goss , Natalie Martinez , Elden Henson

Votes: 1,119

65. Sahara (2005)

PG-13 | 124 min | Action, Adventure, Comedy

Master explorer Dirk Pitt goes on the adventure of a lifetime of seeking out a lost Civil War battleship known as the "Ship of Death" in the deserts of West Africa while helping a WHO doctor being hounded by a ruthless dictator.

Director: Breck Eisner | Stars: Matthew McConaughey , Penélope Cruz , Steve Zahn , Mark Aspinall

Votes: 103,608 | Gross: $68.67M

Are they ever going to make a sequel for this great adventure movie? The author of these books needs to get over himself and allow some sequels for this fun movie.

66. The Goonies (1985)

PG | 114 min | Adventure, Comedy, Family

A group of young misfits called The Goonies discover an ancient map and set out on an adventure to find a legendary pirate's long-lost treasure.

Director: Richard Donner | Stars: Sean Astin , Josh Brolin , Jeff Cohen , Corey Feldman

Votes: 298,234 | Gross: $61.50M

Cussing Kids adventure. I love this movie, but shame on Richard Donner for requiring these children to swear. This movie would be sooo much better without the cursing youngsters.

67. Hidalgo (2004)

PG-13 | 136 min | Action, Adventure, Biography

In 1890, a down-and-out cowboy and his horse travel to Arabia to compete in a deadly cross desert horse race.

Director: Joe Johnston | Stars: Viggo Mortensen , Omar Sharif , Zuleikha Robinson , Louise Lombard

Votes: 85,529 | Gross: $67.29M

Desert Adventure. Why can't they make more movies like this one?

68. Firewalker (1986)

PG | 105 min | Action, Adventure, Comedy

A pair of adventurers try to track down an ancient Aztec/Mayan/Egyptian/Apache hoard of gold.

Director: J. Lee Thompson | Stars: Chuck Norris , Louis Gossett Jr. , Melody Anderson , Will Sampson

Votes: 7,667 | Gross: $11.83M

Chuck Norris + adventure = anything Chuck Norris wants it to be.

69. Medicine Man (1992)

PG-13 | 106 min | Adventure, Drama, Romance

In the beautiful and dangerous Amazon rainforest, dissimilar people must make their choices between business, science, and love.

Director: John McTiernan | Stars: Sean Connery , Lorraine Bracco , José Wilker , Rodolfo De Alejandre

Votes: 24,774 | Gross: $45.50M

Jungle adventure with a cure for cancer.

70. Allan Quatermain and the Temple of Skulls (2008 Video)

R | 98 min | Action, Adventure, Romance

Allan Quatermain has been recruited to lead an expedition in search of a fabled treasure, deep within Africa. He must avoid hidden dangers.

Director: Mark Atkins | Stars: Sean Cameron Michael , Christopher Adamson , Natalie Stone , Daniel Bonjour

Votes: 1,522

The most exciting thing about this movie is the DVD box cover. Very very boring.

71. King Solomon's Mines (2004)

TV-PG | 87 min | Action, Adventure, Fantasy

An adventurous quest for a treasure hidden in King Solomon's mines, based on H. Rider Haggard's timeless tale.

Stars: Patrick Swayze , Alison Doody , Roy Marsden , John Standing

Votes: 3,961

Not good, but if you miss Patrick Swayze...

72. King Solomon's Treasure (1979)

88 min | Adventure, Fantasy

Three adventurers lead an expedition into darkest Africa in search of the treasure of King Solomon, and on the way encounter hostile natives, volcanoes, dinosaurs and a lost Phoenician city ruled by a beautiful queen.

Director: Alvin Rakoff | Stars: David McCallum , John Colicos , Patrick Macnee , Britt Ekland

A Cheezy adventure that came out before Indiana Jones, so it can't be compared to it.

73. High Road to China (1983)

PG | 105 min | Adventure, Drama, Romance

During WW1, an alcoholic American biplane pilot is hired by the spoiled daughter of an industrialist to find her father who disappeared in Asia.

Director: Brian G. Hutton | Stars: Tom Selleck , Bess Armstrong , Jack Weston , Wilford Brimley

Votes: 5,998 | Gross: $28.40M

Tom Selleck came so close to being cast as the original Indiana Jones.

74. The Extraordinary Adventures of Adèle Blanc-Sec (2010)

PG | 107 min | Action, Adventure, Comedy

An adventure set in the early part of the 20th century and focused on a popular novelist and her dealings with would-be suitors, the cops, monsters, and other distractions.

Director: Luc Besson | Stars: Louise Bourgoin , Mathieu Amalric , Gilles Lellouche , Jean-Paul Rouve

Votes: 22,632

A French movie subtitled in English. Pretty good except for one nude scene definately not appropriate for children.

76. The Further Adventures of Tennessee Buck (1988)

A drunken, down-on-his-luck adventurer is hired by a wealthy man and his beautiful wife to take them on a hunting expedition in the jungle. After a while, though, the guide begins to ... See full summary  »

Director: David Keith | Stars: David Keith , Kathy Shower , Brant von Hoffman , Sydney Lassick

It would be nice to get an affordable DVD of this movie.

77. The Last Templar (2009)

TV-14 | 85 min | Action, Adventure, Crime

An adaptation of Raymond Khoury's novel about a New York archaeologist researching the lost secrets of the medieval Knights Templar.

Stars: Mira Sorvino , Victor Garber , Scott Foley , Michael Mando

Votes: 3,712

Not a bad made for TV Mini-series. Not the best either.

78. Sky Pirates (1986)

PG-13 | 89 min | Adventure, Sci-Fi

Harris starts for a flight to Boa Boa. But he gets lost in a supernatural storm. Home again, no one believes Harris' story, and his crew suspiciously denies it too. Harris is thrown in jail, but manages to escape.

Director: Colin Eggleston | Stars: John Hargreaves , Meredith Phillips , Max Phipps , Bill Hunter

79. The Perils of Gwendoline in the Land of the Yik Yak (1984)

R | 87 min | Action, Adventure, Comedy

Gwendoline, a runaway nun, arrives in Hong Kong on a mission to find her father, who was last seen in the legendary Land of the Yik Yak searching for a rare butterfly. She's guided on her perilous journey by the selfish mercenary Willard.

Director: Just Jaeckin | Stars: Tawny Kitaen , Brent Huff , Zabou Breitman , Bernadette Lafont

Votes: 3,305 | Gross: $1.34M

80. Jane and the Lost City (1987)

PG | 93 min | Action, Adventure, Comedy

Jane and the colonel must journey to Africa to the lost city to retrieve the diamonds before the Germans do. Based on the classic adult UK comic strip "Jane," especially popular during World War II for its strong pin-up elements.

Director: Terry Marcel | Stars: Sam J. Jones , Maud Adams , Jasper Carrott , Kirsten Hughes

81. Jake Speed (1986)

In a world where, unbeknownst to the public, all famous pulp fiction heroes are real, one of them, Jake Speed, agrees to help desperate Margaret Winston save her sister from sadistic white slaver Sid, who's operating in Africa.

Director: Andrew Lane | Stars: Wayne Crawford , Dennis Christopher , Karen Kopins , John Hurt

Votes: 1,117 | Gross: $1.94M

82. Curse of the Crystal Eye (1991)

PG-13 | 73 min | Action, Adventure

A man travels through Asia and Africa seeking the treasure of Ali Baba.

Director: Joe Tornatore | Stars: Jameson Parker , Cynthia Rhodes , Mike Lane , David Sherwood

83. Eight Hundred Leagues Down the Amazon (1993)

PG-13 | 85 min | Action, Adventure

Outlaw Joam Garral makes a clandestine journey down the crocodile and piranha infested Amazon river to attend his daughter's marriage. Not only must he brave the dangers of the Amazonian ... See full summary  »

Director: Luis Llosa | Stars: Daphne Zuniga , Tom Verica , Barry Bostwick , Adam Baldwin

84. Coronado (2003)

PG-13 | 88 min | Action, Adventure, Comedy

An American woman, in search of her fiancé, becomes involved in a revolution of a Central American country.

Director: Claudio Fäh | Stars: Kristin Dattilo , Clayton Rohner , Michael Lowry , John Rhys-Davies

Votes: 1,589

Kind of a re-telling of Romancing the Stone. Not as good, of course.

85. The Hunt for the Hidden Relic (2002 TV Movie)

R | 182 min | Action, Thriller, Mystery

A German archaeological excavation in Israel finds a 2,000-year-old skeleton holding instructions for a video camera - results of an apparent time traveler who recorded footage of Jesus Christ.

Director: Sebastian Niemann | Stars: Matthias Koeberlin , Naike Rivelli , Manou Lubowski , Hans Diehl

Votes: 2,216

A foreign TV Movie that received some aclaim.

86. Legend of the Lost Tomb (1997 TV Movie)

PG | 90 min | Adventure, Family, Thriller

While excavating near the Pyramids, Dr. Leonhardt finds a small box with a map to the treasures of the Pharaoh Ramessess II. On his way to deliver this to the local authorities, he is ... See full summary  »

Director: Jonathan Winfrey | Stars: Stacy Keach , Brock Pierce , Kimberlee Peterson , Rick Rossovich

87. The Curse of King Tut's Tomb (2006 TV Movie)

Not Rated | 170 min | Adventure, Fantasy, Horror

Thousands of years ago, the great Child King Tutankhamen ruled. Few know the details of his life no one knows the secrets of his death. But all is about to change. In 1922 Cairo, ... See full summary  »

Director: Russell Mulcahy | Stars: Casper Van Dien , Jonathan Hyde , Leonor Varela , Steven Waddington

Votes: 2,480

Not the best movie, but I'm not really a horror movie fan.

88. Legends of the Hidden Temple (2016 TV Movie)

TV-Y | 65 min | Adventure, Family

Three siblings break away from a lackluster temple tour in a jungle and find themselves immersed in a real-life mission composed of obstacles that they must overcome in order to escape alive.

Director: Joe Menendez | Stars: Isabela Merced , Colin Critchley , Jet Jurgensmeyer , Kirk Fogg

Votes: 1,101

Very family friendly.

89. The Tomb (1986)

Unrated | 84 min | Horror, Fantasy

A tomb robber steals artifacts from an unmarked tomb in Egypt and sells them to different archeologists in America. This displeases the immortal woman whose tomb has been desecrated, so she... See full summary  »

Director: Fred Olen Ray | Stars: Cameron Mitchell , John Carradine , Sybil Danning , Suzy Stokey

A recent discovery of mine. One of the many rip-off's of Indiana Jones.

90. Tomb Invader (2018 TV Movie)

TV-14 | 83 min | Action, Adventure

Archaeologist, Alabama Channing, is recruited by a mysterious billionaire to help find an ancient Chinese relic. The same treasure that her mother was in search of before she went missing.

Director: James Thomas | Stars: Gina Vitori , Andrew J Katers , Samantha Bowling , Evan Sloan

91. The Treasure of the Sierra Madre (1948)

Passed | 126 min | Adventure, Drama, Western

Two down-on-their-luck Americans searching for work in 1920s Mexico convince an old prospector to help them mine for gold in the Sierra Madre Mountains.

Director: John Huston | Stars: Humphrey Bogart , Walter Huston , Tim Holt , Bruce Bennett

Votes: 132,394 | Gross: $5.01M

92. The Da Vinci Treasure (2006)

R | 91 min | Action, Adventure, Mystery

An anthropologist must unlock the code hidden in the works of Leonardo Da Vinci in order to find the greatest treasure ever, one that could change Christianity forever.

Director: Peter Mervis | Stars: C. Thomas Howell , Lance Henriksen , Nicole Sherwin , Alexis Zibolis

Votes: 1,056

Not a bad knock off movie but has way too much cursing. C. Thomas Howell does not look healthy.

93. The Treasure Hunter (2009)

105 min | Action, Adventure, Fantasy

A notorious international crime group chases after a young chivalrous man, his mentor's daughter, and a famous archaeologist, who possess a map leading to ancient treasure.

Director: Yen-Ping Chu | Stars: Jay Chou , Xiaotong Guan , Chi-Ling Lin , Kenneth Tsang

Votes: 1,233

An asian adventure movie.

94. Treasure of Matecumbe (1976)

G | 117 min | Adventure, Drama, Family

In 1869 Kentucky, a young boy and his friends set out to find a treasure chest hidden by his late father in the Florida Everglades during the Civil War.

Director: Vincent McEveety | Stars: Robert Foxworth , Joan Hackett , Peter Ustinov , Vic Morrow

A pretty standard formula movie from the 1970's Disney machine.

95. Treasure of the Amazon (1985)

R | 97 min | Action, Adventure, Drama

Three groups of adventurers all vying to find treasure in the jungle clash against each other, the merciless natives, and the dangerous wildlife.

Director: René Cardona Jr. | Stars: Stuart Whitman , Donald Pleasence , Bradford Dillman , Sonia Infante

96. Lost Treasure (2003)

R | 85 min | Action

A cop finds a mysterious map from the Age of Exploration inside a stolen painting, and enlists the aid of his antiquarian brother to solve its riddles .

Director: Jim Wynorski | Stars: Stephen Baldwin , Nicollette Sheridan , Coby Ryan McLaughlin , Hannes Jaenicke

97. Sands of Oblivion (2007 TV Movie)

PG-13 | 96 min | Action, Adventure, Fantasy

An artifact cursed by an Egyptian avenging god is found amongst the props of an old Hollywood film. The curse of the relic unravels when mysterious murders and accidents that happened during the making of the film begin to happen again.

Director: David Flores | Stars: Morena Baccarin , Adam Baldwin , Victor Webster , George Kennedy

Votes: 1,553

Suprisingly good. I really was expecting a horrible movie and it was okay.

98. The Lost Treasure of the Grand Canyon (2008 TV Movie)

Not Rated | 88 min | Adventure, Fantasy, Horror

In the early days of the 20th century, an entire team disappeared while on an expedition deep into the Grand Canyon in search of a long-rumored hidden city.

Director: Farhad Mann | Stars: Michael Shanks , Shannen Doherty , JR Bourne , Toby Berner

Votes: 1,641

99. Lost City Raiders (2008 TV Movie)

PG-13 | 90 min | Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi

The year is 2048, and global warming has flooded much of Earth's land areas. A father and his two sons try to salvage treasures from sunken buildings when they are given an important assignment by the New Vatican.

Director: Jean de Segonzac | Stars: James Brolin , Ian Somerhalder , Bettina Zimmermann , Jamie Thomas King

Votes: 2,806

100. Treasure Raiders (2007)

PG-13 | 92 min | Action, Crime

An American professor (Brand) teams up with a Russian biker (Nevsky) to search for historical treasures buried in and around Moscow.

Director: Brent Huff | Stars: Alexander Nevsky , Steven Brand , David Carradine , Sherilyn Fenn

Votes: 4,344

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COMMENTS

  1. Top 25 movies about travel and journeys

    A faded movie star and a neglected young woman form an unlikely bond after crossing paths in Tokyo. Director: Sofia Coppola | Stars: Bill Murray, Scarlett Johansson, Giovanni Ribisi, Anna Faris. Votes: 487,818 | Gross: $44.59M. 9. The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)

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    IMDb Rating: 8.4/10. There is a solid reason why many people consider Coco to be one of the best films that Pixar has ever produced. Fans have grown to anticipate exceptionally clear and stunning ...

  3. 60 Essential Adventure Movies

    Now we're embarking on our own journey, plundering gem after gem for a guide to what we're calling the essential adventure movies if you love the genre. Listing these best adventure movies in chronological order, we begin a century in the past, when the adventure genre was defined by the swashbucklers of Captain Blood and The Three Musketeers .

  4. Journey/travel/adventure movies

    Two best friends set out on an adventure, but it soon turns around to a terrifying escape from being hunted by the police, as these two women escape for the crimes they committed. Director: Ridley Scott | Stars: Susan Sarandon, Geena Davis, Harvey Keitel, Michael Madsen. Votes: 172,647 | Gross: $45.36M.

  5. 25 Best Travel Movies Of All Time (Films That Will Inspire You To

    5. 180° South (2010) PG | 85 min | Documentary, Drama, Sport. The film follows adventurer Jeff Johnson as he retraces the epic 1968 journey of his heroes Yvon Chouinard and Doug Tompkins to Patagonia. Director: Chris Malloy | Stars: Yvon Chouinard, Doug Tompkins, Keith Malloy, Alicia Salome Acuna Ika.

  6. 98 Best Adventure Movies All Time Ranked

    98. The Count of Monte Cristo. Buena Vista Pictures. Based on the 1844 Alexandre Dumas novel, "The Count of Monte Cristo" follows the adventures of Edmond Dantès, a man on the verge of having the ...

  7. 47 Thrilling Adventure Movies for Travelers & Thrill Seekers

    Full of beautiful vistas of France and Spain, The Way skillfully captures the camaraderie one can find even amongst strangers when walking together for days on end. Starring: Martin Sheen, Emilio Estevez, Deborah Kara Unger. Director: Emilio Estevez. Runtime: 2h 3m. WATCH THE WAY.

  8. The 28 best adventure movies of all time, ranked

    28. Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975) If you are looking for one of the most hilarious and quotable adventure movies of all time. Well, Monty Python and the Holy Grail is for you. Like most good adventure flicks, this '70s classic follows a sweeping journey into faraway lands as King Arthur sets out to find the Knights of his Round Table.

  9. 50 Best Travel Movies Of All Time

    Facing incredible odds along the way, the 100-mile trek between Panama and Columbia consists of a large area of undeveloped swampland and a mountainous rainforest. A great example of adventure and exploration, the movie is a beautiful reminder to take your own path on your coming of age journey. Watch the Movie. The Beach ★

  10. The 195+ Greatest Adventure Movies

    From Indiana Jones' daring exploits to the mystical lands of the Lord of the Rings trilogy, this collection of top adventure movies spans a wide array of themes including exploration, thrilling expeditions, and daring quests that continually push the limits. These films are not about the destination, but rather, the journey; an audacious ...

  11. The 30 Best Adventure Movies of All Time

    From timeless gems like Steven Spielberg's Raiders of the Lost Ark to mind-bending indie films like Everything Everywhere All at Once, keep reading for 30 movies that'll take you on an exciting journey. 1. Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981) Cast: Harrison Ford, Karen Allen, Paul Freeman, Ronald Lacey, John Rhys-Davies.

  12. 25 best travel movies to inspire your own adventures

    The plot of the movie revolves around Fogg's race against time as he embarks on an adventure across the globe, accompanied by his loyal French servant, Passepartout. They go on a daring journey using various means of transport - from hot air balloons to elephants - and encounter a series of comedic and sometimes perilous situations.

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    Jurassic Park. Jurassic Park (1993) Theatrical Trailer. Watch on. Another larger-than-life blockbuster from Steven Spielberg, Jurassic Park follows the aftermath of what one might expect if a ...

  14. The 70+ Best New & Latest Adventure Movies, Ranked By Fans

    Lists about real explorers and expeditions and fictional depictions of fast-paced, dangerous adventures in film, TV, anime, literature, and other media. Over 1K filmgoers have voted on the 50+ Best New & Recent Adventure Movies, Ranked. Current Top 3: Jungle Cruise, Dune, Encanto.

  15. Best Adventure Movies: Thrilling Cinematic Journeys Worth Taking

    Exploration and Discovery: Adventure movies often take the audience on a journey to new and exotic locations, such as remote islands, ancient ruins, or uncharted territories. ... Best Adventure Movies - Wrap Up. Adventure movies have been captivating audiences for decades with their thrilling action, exotic locations, and epic quests. ...

  16. 30 Best Outdoor Movies and Adventure Documentaries

    Best outdoor movies. 1. A Walk in the Woods. Old friends, well in their sixties, played by Robert Redford and Nick Nolte, decide to hike the 2,190 mile Appalachian Trail through American East. A movie full of humour with the famous hike landscapes also showcases the backpacking struggles, meeting new people along the way, and an endeavour of ...

  17. 12 Best Jungle Adventure Movies, Ranked

    Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. PG-13. Indiana Jones becomes entangled in a Soviet plot to uncover the secret behind mysterious artifacts known as the Crystal Skulls. Release ...

  18. 100 Best Adventure Movies

    Marty McFly, a 17-year-old high school student, is accidentally sent 30 years into the past in a time-traveling DeLorean invented by his close friend, the maverick scientist Doc Brown. Director: Robert Zemeckis | Stars: Michael J. Fox, Christopher Lloyd, Lea Thompson, Crispin Glover. Votes: 1,304,582 | Gross: $210.61M.

  19. The 40+ Best Jungle Adventure Movies, Ranked

    Lists about real explorers and expeditions and fictional depictions of fast-paced, dangerous adventures in film, TV, anime, literature, and other media. Over 1K filmgoers have voted on the 40+ Best Jungle Adventure Movies, Ranked. Current Top 3: Jurassic Park, Predator, King Kong.

  20. Journey to the Forbidden Valley

    Journey to the Forbidden Valley - After a small airplane crash lands in a remote area of Central China, several passengers survive, including a Chinese boy a...

  21. A Stork's Journey Streaming: Watch & Stream Online via Starz

    The movie's cast features Cooper Kelly Kramer as Richard, the sparrow, Shannon Conley as Olga, the owl, and Marc Thompson as Kiki, the parakeet. Watch A Stork's Journey streaming via Starz

  22. Journey 2: The Mysterious Island (2012)

    Journey 2: The Mysterious Island: Directed by Brad Peyton. With Dwayne Johnson, Michael Caine, Josh Hutcherson, Luis Guzmán. Sean Anderson partners with his mom's husband on a mission to find his grandfather, who is thought to be missing on a mythical island.

  23. 'Spy x Family Code: White' Review: An Amusing Anime Spinoff

    'Spy x Family Code: White' Review: Espionage and Culinary Adventure Collide in an Amusing Anime Spinoff Takashi Katagiri, who directed season 2 of the series, continues the characters' journey ...

  24. Great Adventure Movies / The Best Adventure Movies

    A mousy romance novelist sets off for Colombia to ransom her kidnapped sister, and soon finds herself in the middle of a dangerous adventure hunting for treasure with a mercenary rogue. Director: Robert Zemeckis | Stars: Michael Douglas, Kathleen Turner, Danny DeVito, Zack Norman. Votes: 102,254 | Gross: $76.57M.