Summary
Adventure movies arepure popcorn cinema. From unlikely heroes to intrepid treasure hunters or daring thrill-seekers, these movies depict epic journeys filled with adversity that fundamentally change the central characters. While they can cover numerous genres, from fantasy to sci-fi to drama, at their core, these movies are about people getting out of their comfort zone for something bigger.
From rediscovering themselves to uncovering hidden lost treasures to even saving the world or the galaxy, these movies encapsulate the spirit of adventure. These are films where the unknown is something to face head-on, and characters conquer obstacles with determination and perseverance.
WhileThe Secret Life of Walter Mittymay not enjoy the iconic status of many films on this list,Ben Stillercrafts a heartwarming, humorous, and often inspiring movie experience.
The film follows the story of Walter Mitty, a negative assets manager for Life Magazine, who daydreams his way through life. When the photo print for the final magazine cover goes missing, Walter goes on a quest across the world to find the elusive photojournalist Sean O’Connell.The Secret Life of Walter Mittyis about a man rediscovering his life and living without fear. With a fantastic soundtrack, beautifully captured scenery, and an easily likable central character, the film dares its viewers to explore the world and live life to the fullest.
Starring Gael García Bernal and Rodrigo de la Serna,The Motorcycle Diariesis a classic road movie charting the real-life adventures of the futurerevolutionary figureChe Guevara and his best friend, Granado.
The film follows the duo’s travels across South America on an old motorcycle as they journey to Peru to work at a remote leper colony. These travels would strongly influence Guevara’s personal and political views as he witnessed the inequality rampant across the continent. The film tells the story of friendship and perseverance as they experience life to the fullest on the edges of society.
Featuring a cast of future Hollywood stars, including Josh Brolin and Sean Astin,The Gooniesis one of the definitive adventure films of the 1980s. The film follows a group of friends enjoying their last weekend together, before their homes in the Goon Docks face foreclosure. However, after discovering an old treasure map leading to a legendary pirate’s treasure, the group decides to set out on an adventure.
The Gooniesbecame a staple for a whole generation and remains a beloved classic for its legion of fans. The film is a fun, silly, and timeless adventure that easilycaptures all the chaos of adolescencethrough a group of kids' quest to save their homes.
This stunning biographical film tells the tragic story of Chris McCandless, who, in the early 90s, hiked across America into the northern Alaskan wilderness with little survival experience.
Starring Emile Hirsch in the central role, the film is a testament toself-discovery and adventure, as well as a reminder of the dangers of nature and inexperience. By rejecting societal norms and searching for a deeper connection in nature, Chris McCandless became a hero for many. With a fantastic soundtrack, wonderful cinematography, and strong performances throughout,Into the Wildis a must-watch adventure classic.
One of the most beloved comedy films of the 1980s,The Princess Brideremains a cult classic today. The film follows the adventures of Westley on his quest to save his love, Princess Buttercup, from the nefarious Prince Humperdinck.
Filled with an all-star cast, which includes wrestling legend Andre the Giant, endlessly quotable lines, and a variety of weird and wonderful characters,The Princess Brideis a timeless adventure that never fails to bring a smile to the faces of its fans. Widely considered one of the greatest comedy films of all time, it has won numerous awards and remains a beloved classic.
Based on a popular theme park ride,Pirates of the Caribbeanwas an instant hit with viewers, with its epic high-seas action, comedy, and fantasy. Johnny Depp’s Captain Jack Sparrow became an iconic movie character and kick-started a successful movie franchise.
The Curse of the Black Pearlfollows Will Turner, played by Orlando Bloom, on his quest to save his love, Elizabeth Swan, from a crew of undead Pirates, led by Geoffrey Rush’s Captain Barbossa. Filled with daring sword fights, beautiful scenery, dashing heroes, and nefarious villains,Pirates of the Caribbeanis an easy crowd-pleaser for the whole family.
This stunning sci-fi epic is set in the not-too-distant future, where disease has decimated Earth’s resources.Interstellarfollows a pilot’s journey after joining a daring mission to venture through an anomaly in space in search of habitable planets.
Starring Matthew McConaughey and Anne Hathaway,Interstellaris a grand sci-fi spectacle that delves into the science of black holes, relativity, and gravity. However, at its core, the film is an emotional tale of a father’s mission to save his children. Director Christopher Nolan expertly crafts a personal story of love and loss through space and time, while delivering a blockbuster experience that easily sits withthe best of the genre.
One of the greatest adventure films ever made,Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Arkis George Lucas’s love letter to the movie serials of the 1930s and 40s.
Set in 1936 during the height of Nazi rule, the film stars Harrison Ford as the treasure-hunting archaeologist searching for the fabled ark of the covenant. With the Nazi forces also hot on the trail, the film is anaction-packed adventurefrom start to finish. Indiana Jones has become an iconic cinematic hero, with his trademark hat and whip.Raiders of the Lost Arkwould be the first in a hugely successful series, spanning five films, a TV series, and numerous video game adaptations.
One of the greatest sci-fi adventure films of all time,Star Warsis a fundamental part of our popular culture. Spanning numerous films, TV shows, books, comics, and video games, this expansive franchise defined what it means to be a blockbuster movie.
While many may have their favorite entry in the series, few can argue with the iconic status of the original movie. The classic tale of a young farm hand discovering his Jedi heritage and embarking on a grand adventure through space has captured the imagination of generations since its release. While the franchise has grown far beyond the original trilogy, with varying results,A New Hoperemains a timeless classic.
The Lord of the Ringsseries is unarguably one of the greatest achievements in cinema history. Filmed concurrently across 438 days of principal photography, the series would be a landmark moment in cinema history. The first of the trilogy,The Fellowship of the Ring, would introduce the world to the magical lands of Middle-earth and its variety of characters and creatures.
The film follows the hobbit Frodo Baggins and his group of friends, who find themselves on an epic adventure to destroy the fabled ring of power, before the arch-enemy Sauron can claim it and bring the world into an age of darkness. The film is an epic tale of good vs evil, filled with action and drama across stunning landscapes. Frodo is the ultimate unlikely hero, whose small stature and inexperience never stop him from carrying the burden of the ring to the very end.
