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The Best New Adventure Movies Of The Past Five Years, Ranked

Vote up your favorite adventure movies that were released on or after January, 1 2021.

What are the best new adventure movies of the past five years that have kept you on the edge of your seat? Adventure films have taken viewers on thrilling journeys, exploring uncharted territories and discovering the unknown. Whether it’s through breathtaking landscapes or incredible storytelling, these recent films have brought excitement and wonder to audiences around the world.

Movies like Jungle Cruise , where Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt take us on a wild ride through the Amazon, filled with mystical creatures and ancient secrets. Then there's Dune , an epic sci-fi adventure that transports viewers to the desert planet of Arrakis, featuring stunning visuals and a gripping storyline led by Timothée Chalamet. We can't forget Encanto , an animated adventure that combines magical realism with a heartfelt family story, delighting viewers with vibrant visuals and catchy music. Each of these movies offers a unique experience, making them standout choices in the adventure genre.

Now it’s your turn to weigh in. Which films do you think are the top recent adventure movie? Browse through our list and vote for your favorites. Your votes will help determine which movies have truly captured the spirit of adventure. Share your picks and see how they rank among other fans’ choices, celebrating the most thrilling adventure films of the past five years.

Brace yourselves for a cinematic spectacle like no other, as one of science fiction’s most iconic novels gets an awe-inspiring adaptation that catapults audiences to the farthest reaches of the galaxy. Centered on a young nobleman thrust into the tumultuous world of interstellar politics, treachery, and the struggle for a life-sustaining resource, this space opera will leave viewers breathless with its vast, desolate landscapes, intricate storytelling, and mesmerizing visuals. It's a daring and immersive journey that demands to be experienced on the big screen.

• Released : 2021
• Directed by : Denis Villeneuve

Jungle Cruise

Inspired by the classic Disneyland attraction, this rip-roaring adventure whisks viewers into the heart of the Amazon aboard a rickety riverboat. Led by a wisecracking skipper and an intrepid scientist on a quest for a legendary tree with miraculous healing powers, their journey is fraught with treacherous rapids, supernatural dangers, and scoundrels lurking around every bend. Boasting awe-inspiring visuals, charming performances, and enough rollicking action to satisfy even the most ardent thrill-seekers - this swashbuckling flick is truly an unforgettable ride.

• Directed by : Jaume Collet-Serra

Whisking audiences into the vibrant world of a magical Colombian village blessed with extraordinary powers, this captivating animated feature follows one seemingly ordinary girl's journey to uncover her hidden talents. Through lush visuals, infectious musical numbers, and heartwarming character arcs, it explores powerful themes of family bonds, generational trauma, and self-acceptance. A dazzling celebration of culture and resilience that will leave viewers humming its tunes long after the credits have rolled.

• Directed by : Jared Bush, Byron Howard

The Suicide Squad

Prepare for an unconventional superhero movie that gleefully subverts expectations with its irreverent humor, chaotic action sequences, and colorful band of misfits. Tasked with a covert mission on a deadly island teeming with adversaries both human and supernatural, these reluctant antiheroes must navigate explosive situations, unpredictable alliances, and their own personal demons to survive. Chaotic fun meets gritty realism in this wildly unpredictable thrill ride that'll leave viewers clamoring for more.

• Directed by : James Gunn

No Time to Die

For one final ride with an iconic British spy, strap in for a globe-trotting adventure filled with pulse-pounding chase scenes, deadly assassins, and heart-wrenching twists. As revelations from his own past come back to haunt him, our suave protagonist must thwart a diabolical villain in possession of terrifying technology that could reshape the world as we know it. With personal stakes at an all-time high, this fitting swan song delivers an emotional, action-packed, and visually arresting cinematic experience fans won't forget.

• Directed by : Cary Joji Fukunaga

Dune: Part Two

• Released : 2024

Sonic the Hedgehog 2

Sonic is back for another exhilarating adventure packed with turbocharged thrills, action-packed showdowns, and the introduction of new fan-favorite characters from the cherished video game series . As they race against time to stop a diabolical plot that threatens their beloved Earth, these aspiring heroes must navigate hazardous landscapes, explosive encounters, and their own personal growth. Equal parts heartwarming and high-octane, this sequel proves lightning can indeed strike twice.

• Released : 2022
• Directed by : Jeff Fowler

Buckle up for a rip-roaring adventure that transports viewers across treacherous terrains, mysterious ancient ruins, and high-octane chase sequences in search of legendary treasure. Based on the beloved video game series, this action-packed film follows a fearless treasure hunter and his wisecracking mentor as they navigate perilous pitfalls, nefarious rivals, and breathtaking locales. A rollercoaster ride filled with swashbuckling thrills and unlikely friendships that'll leave audiences clamoring for more.

• Directed by : Ruben Fleischer

Thor: Love and Thunder

Asgard's mightiest Avenger returns for an electrifying fourth outing that promises to shake up the superhero landscape like never before. Packed with jaw-dropping revelations, laugh-out-loud humor, and unexpected character transformations, this cosmic odyssey takes audiences on a whirlwind journey through space and time as they witness the return of old friends, the rise of formidable adversaries, and the dawn of a new era for their hammer-wielding hero. Get ready for an unapologetically wild ride that'll leave viewers craving more.

• Directed by : Taika Waititi

The Addams Family 2

The kookiest clan on the block returns for another ghoulishly delightful outing in this animated sequel that's equal parts spooky, funny, and heartwarming. As they embark on an adventure-packed road trip filled with creepy encounters, macabre mishaps, and uproarious antics, our beloved oddball family proves once again there's more to them than meets the eye. A wickedly amusing romp that reminds us it's perfectly normal to be different.

• Directed by : Greg Tiernan

This sun-drenched animated gem whisks viewers away to the picture-perfect Italian Riviera, where two young sea monsters shed their aquatic forms to explore the wonders of the human world above. As they forge an unbreakable bond amidst secret identities, thrilling escapades, and mouthwatering gelato, it's impossible not to fall in love with this enchanting coming-of-age story that celebrates friendship and self-discovery. A lighthearted romp bursting with irresistible charm and heartfelt emotion.

• Directed by : Enrico Casarosa

Hotel Transylvania 4

Get ready for another hilariously spooky getaway at everyone's favorite monster-infested resort as our quirky cast of characters return for their most uproarious adventure yet. Filled with unpredictable slapstick, endearing character dynamics, and side-splitting gags at every turn, this fourth installment delivers laughs aplenty for fans old and new. A monstrously good time that proves even supernatural beings can learn the importance of family and acceptance.

• Directed by : Derek Drymon, Jennifer Kluska

Hilda and the Mountain King

• Directed by : Andy Coyle

Back to the Outback

• Directed by : Clare Knight, Harry Cripps

Paw Patrol: The Movie

• Directed by : Cal Brunker

Wish Dragon

• Directed by : Chris Appelhans

Arthur the King

• Directed by : Simon Cellan Jones

Peter Rabbit 2: The Runaway

Bound for more hare-brained hijinks, this charming sequel sees everyone's favorite rascally rabbit embarking on an adventure that takes him far from home and into the heart of the big city. Along the way, he encounters a host of colorful characters, gets entangled in madcap schemes, and learns important lessons about family and friendship. Bursting with endearing antics, lighthearted humor, and heartwarming moments, it's a playful romp that'll leave audiences hopping for joy.

• Directed by : Will Gluck

Fast and Furious 9

The pedal hits the metal once again as fan-favorite characters reunite for another exhilarating installment in the high-octane franchise that never seems to run out of gas. As they face off against old enemies and navigate dizzying twists-and-turns both behind the wheel and off the road, audiences can expect breathtaking car chases, gravity-defying stunts, and enough turbo-charged excitement to leave them gripping their armrests. A non-stop thrill ride that proves family truly is the greatest adventure of all.

• Directed by : Justin Lin

Edge of the World

Embark on a riveting journey into uncharted territory with this gripping historical drama that chronicles the real-life exploits of a British explorer tasked with mapping the borders of a remote jungle kingdom. As he confronts harsh natural elements, hostile natives, and the dark side of human nature, our protagonist must grapple with the true cost of his ambitions and the consequences of his actions. A harrowing descent into madness and obsession that will keep viewers captivated from start to finish.

• Directed by : Michael Haussman

The Boss Baby: Family Business

This uproarious animated sequel sees everyone's favorite infant entrepreneur returning for even more covert corporate antics as he teams up with his now-grown brother to take down a nefarious CEO threatening to divide families everywhere. Jam-packed with laugh-out-loud gags, heartfelt moments, and an underlying message about the importance of family bonds, this wildly entertaining romp is a welcome addition to a franchise that shows no signs of slowing down.

• Directed by : Tom McGrath

The Marvels

• Released : 2023
• Directed by : Nia DaCosta

• Directed by : Lee Isaac Chung

• Directed by : Doug Liman

Outlaw Posse

• Directed by : Mario Van Peebles

Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes

• Directed by : Wes Ball

Extraction 2

• Directed by : Sam Hargrave

• Directed by : Jean-François Richet

Felix and the Hidden Treasure

• Directed by : Nicola Lemay

• Directed by : Louis Leterrier

• Directed by : Cedric Nicolas-Troyan

Trollhunters: Rise of the Titans

• Directed by : Johane Matte, Francisco Ruiz Velasco, Andrew L. Schmidt

The King's Daughter

• Directed by : Sean McNamara

The Summit of the Gods

• Directed by : Patrick Imbert

• Directed by : Neil Burger

The Loud House Movie

• Directed by : Dave Needham

The Ogglies: Welcome to Smelliville

• Directed by : Jens Møller, Toby Genkel

My Little Pony: A New Generation

• Directed by : Robert Cullen, José Luis Ucha

• Directed by : Kirk DeMicco

My Penguin Friend

• Directed by : David Schurmann

No Time to Spy: A Loud House Movie

• Directed by : Kyle Marshall, Dave Needham

Golden Kamuy

• Directed by : Shigeaki Kubo

Borderlands

• Directed by : Eli Roth

The Bloody Hundredth

Code 8 Part II

• Directed by : Jeff Chan

• Directed by : Gabriela Cowperthwaite

Badland Hunters

• Directed by : Heo Myeong Haeng

The Kitchen

• Directed by : Daniel Kaluuya, Kibwe Tavares

The Beekeeper

• Directed by : David Ayer

Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire

• Directed by : Gil Kenan

The Fall Guy

• Directed by : David Leitch

• Directed by : Dev Patel

• Directed by : Dexter Fletcher

Harold and the Purple Crayon

• Directed by : Carlos Saldanha

Kung Fu Panda 4

• Directed by : Mike Mitchell

The Gray Man

• Directed by : Anthony Russo, Joe Russo

Operation Fortune: Ruse de Guerre

• Directed by : Guy Ritchie

• Directed by : Alice Rohrwacher

A Cat's Life

• Directed by : Guillaume Maidatchevsky

• Directed by : Elissa Down

Orion and the Dark

• Directed by : Sean Charmatz

Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire

• Directed by : Adam Wingard

• Directed by : Juan Carlos Fresnadillo

The Tiger's Apprentice

• Directed by : Raman Hui

• Directed by : Johan Renck

Io Capitano

• Directed by : Matteo Garrone
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Lists about real explorers and expeditions and fictional depictions of fast-paced, dangerous adventures in film, TV, anime, literature, and other media.

29 Best Adventure Movies of All Time

Swing through a lost temple or dive into the fantasy of Middle-earth.

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It’s no secret that movies are a perfect—and maybe even the best—way to escape from reality. Had a bad day? Watch a movie . Need a laugh? Watch a movie . Feeling heartbroken? Watch. A. Movie . It works like a charm. That’s the magic of cinema, people.

There are plenty of genres to choose from, but next to the humble comedy, adventure films are the easiest to stomach when you need a break from the real world. Below, you’ll find 29 exciting journeys to take whenever you please. Climb aboard a shipwreck in Life of Pi, or take a trip to a coastal English town in Wes Anderson ’s Moonrise Kingdom. If dry land is more your speed, join Indiana Jones for an archaeological quest, or help a crew of scientists ward off dinosaurs in Jurassic Park (though they should have never messed with prehistoric creatures in the first place) . Hell, you can go to space if you want.

Your adventure awaits. All that’s left to do is pick a route.

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.

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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.)

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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.

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Moonrise Kingdom

Nothing says adventure like two 12-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.

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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 runs across some comical and dramatic speed bumps, though, when it is revealed that the two men are actually escorting a war general and princess.

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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 a 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 Jones donning a signature whip and, of course, possessing an Achilles heel for snakes.

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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, amid its exciting ingenuity in filmmaking, serves as an ominous meditation on man versus machine that will make you feel like you’re staring straight into the beady red monitor of your own existence.

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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.

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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 kick-started the genre.

Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon

In the film that catapulted Ang Lee to directorial superstardom, he sets the scene in 19th-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 that 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 .

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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.

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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.

Some may classify Inception as just a sci-fi action thriller, but our dream thieves jet all around the world, even before they sink down into several levels of subconscious to pull off a mind-bending memory-implantation process. With so many richly realized worlds on display throughout the film, it’s hard to argue that the characters haven’t been on an adventure after they’ve woken up.

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Journey 2: The Mysterious Island

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. 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. 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.

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• 254 User reviews
• 153 Critic reviews
• 41 Metascore
• 7 wins & 4 nominations

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• Trivia Despite this movie being a sequel to Journey to the Center of the Earth (2008) , Josh Hutcherson is the only actor to return from that movie.
• Goofs So this island rises from the ocean or sinks back down every 140 years. From the way it sinks, this is a cataclysmic event. The entire island appears to brake into little pieces. Yet, when they get to Atlantis, the ruins appear virtually intact, despite the fact that they have risen and sunk many times by now.

Hank : [singing] I see trees of green, red roses too. I see them bloom, for me and for you. And I think to myself: What a wonderful world! I see giant bees, and I could have told ya: Don't trust Alexander - he's older than Yoda. And I think to myself: What a wonderful world! The island that we stand on... Well, it's currently sinking. Sending those secret codes - what the heck were you drinking? But it's all in the past, we wiped the slate clean! We're going to find Nemo's submarine! And you'll think to yourself: What a wonderful world. Oh, yeah...

• Crazy credits There is a brief scene of elephants swimming to the city halfway through the credits right before the cast listing.
• Connections Featured in The Tonight Show with Jay Leno: Episode #20.79 (2012)
• Soundtracks Letterbomb Written by Billie Joe Armstrong , Tré Cool , Mike Dirnt Performed by Green Day Courtesy of Warner Bros. Records Inc. By arrangement with Warner Music Group Film & TV Licensing

User reviews 254

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• Jun 30, 2012
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• February 10, 2012 (United States)
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• Kualoa Ranch - 49560 Kamehameha Highway, Ka'a'awa, O'ahu, Hawaii, USA
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• Walden Media
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• $79,000,000 (estimated)
• $103,887,748
• $27,335,363
• Feb 12, 2012
• $335,288,576

Technical specs

• Runtime 1 hour 34 minutes
• Dolby Digital

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The Top 20 Best Action Adventure Movies

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Action is easily one of cinema's most entertaining genres. Adventure so often goes hand-in-hand with it. Action films have gone through many changes over the years, but action has always captivated its audience's hearts and minds worldwide. Whether it's through jaw-dropping fight choreography or massively epic explosions, action keeps people watching.

These films have a central character with almost inhuman skills, a villain worthy of the worst beatings, and an adventure that requires dangerous stunts like jumping out of planes and battles with small armies of foes. But they also have a human component on which the average viewer stakes emotional investment. The best action and adventure movies aren't just great on their own terms — they helped define their genre. Every film in this list has one, the other, or both in spades, and each is essential viewing for fans.

Updated by Christopher Raley on August 5, 2024: The action-adventure genre is possibly one of the most broadly loved genres in film. Everyone has their favorite action flick. This article has been updated to conform to CBR's publication standards and to include more great action movies.

20 The Goonies Solidified Steven Spielberg's Impact On the Genre

Even as a producer, he is a master of adventure films, how the goonies successfully blends the adventure, comedy and horror genres.

Many remember how The Goonies helped keep the adventure genre alive. That said, horror was only a small part in a larger blend of genres.

The Goonies is a 1980s classic that follows a group of friends who set out to find the treasure of One-Eyed Willy to save their homes from foreclosure. They find that they are not the only ones looking for the treasure and must deal with the Fratelli crime family. The film was directed by Richard Donner from a story by Stephen Spielberg .

The film featured many cast members who would grow up to have successful Hollywood careers, including Sean Astin, Josh Brolin, Corey Feldman, and Ke Huy Quan . The Goonies was a massive success and had tons of potential for a franchise, but no sequels ever came to be. Donnor said for years that he would make one, and the cast stated they would return if Donner did. As Donner passed away in 2021, the sequel is not likely to happen.

The Goonies

19 explorers gained a cult following, a rushed release may have dampened initial reception.

Explorers follows the young Ben Crandall, an avid science-fiction fan having a vivid recurring dream of flying through the clouds over a circuit board . He enlists his friend Wolfgang, an aspiring inventor, to create the circuit board. With the help of their new friend Darren, they successfully create a spaceship. The trio blasts off into space to search for alien life.

The film featured the film debuts of leads Ethan Hawke and River Phoenix. Despite the great concept for the film, it had an extremely tough production and release. It has since been revealed that the film was never properly finished and rushed out of the theaters. Explorers came out one week after Back to the Future , which led it to being labeled a box office failure as it only grossed just under $10 million. It has since gained a cult following after its home release.

18 National Treasure Is a Good Old-Fashioned Treasure Hunt

Its clue-based mystery makes a lore dump of us history, national treasure 3 writer teases returning characters and plot details.

Fans of the National Treasure franchise get some clues as to what the upcoming third film has in store courtesy of its screenwriter.

National Treasure stars Nicolas Cage as Benjamin Gates, a historian who races to find a legendary artifact hidden in the United States that was passed onto his ancestors. As Gates battles a former friend and his team of mercenaries, he teams up with his friend Riley and archivist Abigail to steal the Declaration of Independence, which contains a clue to the artifact’s whereabouts .

Many commended National Treasure for its callbacks to old adventure movies and its riveting story that carefully wove several elements of United States history into its plot. Its success led to a sequel, National Treasure: Book of Secrets , in 2007 and a Disney+ series in 2022, National Treasure: Edge of History . Calls for Cage to return for a third film in the franchise have continued for almost 15 years but have not come to fruition.

National Treasure

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

17 Modern Viewers Still Revisit Time Bandits

This quirky action adventure features terry gilliam's signature direction.

Time Bandits is a classic action-adventure film told through the fantastical lens of director Terry Gilliam. With his trademark blend of absurdity and dry humor, Gilliam brings one of his few family-friendly adventures to life with the help of some of his old Monty Python compatriots. These include John Cleese, Michael Palin, and stalwart British actors such as Sean Connery and Sir Ian Holm.

The movie focuses on Kevin, who loves history and is particularly fascinated with Greek Mythology. But he is ignored by his parents and board. One night, all that changes as a troop of dwarves suddenly tumbles into his room. They are the time bandits and have a map that allows them to go from spot to spot in history picking up treasure. Currently, they are fleeing the Supreme Being with the treasure they stole, and Kevin, frightened by the Supreme Being, follows them through a portal in one of the cinema's wildest adventures.

Time Bandits

A young boy gets swept up in an extraordinary adventure when a group of time-traveling dwarfs appear in his bedroom. The dwarfs, former employees of the Supreme Being, have stolen a map that allows them to navigate through time and space, seeking treasure. The boy joins them on a journey through various historical periods, encountering famous figures and mythical creatures. Throughout their travels, they must evade the pursuit of the Supreme Being and a malevolent entity called Evil, who wants the map for his own nefarious purposes.

16 Back to the Future Is a Landmark of Movie History

It mixed comedy and excitement into a winning combination.

Back to the Future follows Marty McFly (Michael J. Fox), a teenager in 1985 who is friends with scientist Doc Brown (Christopher Lloyd). When Doc builds a Time Machine out of a DeLorean, Marty travels back to 1955 and inadvertently messes up his parents’ first meeting. Marty works to fix their relationship, so his existence continues while working to get back to 1985.

Back to the Future is one of the quintessential 1980s adventure films, which spawned two sequels continuing Marty and Doc’s time-traveling shenanigans. The film has etched itself into pop culture and is one of the most recognizable films ever made. Its rousing adventure makes it a timeless classic that will resonate with many generations to come.

Back to the Future

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.

15 Hook Delivered a Fresh Spin on the Peter Pan Story

An absent father finds adventure with his kids.

Hook was a new spin on the classic tale of Peter Pan. Directed by Steven Spielberg, Robin Williams stars as an adult Peter Pan who has forgotten his childhood adventures. When his old nemesis, Captain Hook (Dustin Hoffman), kidnaps his children, Peter returns to Neverland and slowly regains his childhood memories . The film nabbed five Academy Award nominations in 1992.

Spielberg has a fantastic track record in the action/adventure genre, from Indiana Jones to The Goonies , and his fresh take on Peter Pan is no different. Anchored by strong performances from Williams and Hoffman, Hook remains one of the most memorable family adventure films to date. Julia Roberts plays Tinkerbell in one of her earliest Hollywood roles to round out the cast.

When Captain James Hook kidnaps his children, an adult Peter Pan must return to Neverland and reclaim his youthful spirit in order to challenge his old enemy.

14 Dungeons & Dragons: A Fun Watch For Old and New Fans

Honor among thieves appeals to old and new fans alike, review: dungeons & dragons: honor among thieves' charm elevates the by-the-numbers fantasy.

A straightforward fantasy story told with charm and enthusiasm, Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves is as fun as it seems.

Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves combines the twin spheres of action and adventure the most equitably. Fans of D&D will, for the most part, find that this outing is an exciting and accurate enough rendition of the most recent version of the tabletop game. But even for those outside that particular world, there is more than enough heart to get them into Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves .

With an effective performance from Chris Pine in the lead role, backed up admirably by big names like Michelle Rodriguez and Hugh Grant, this heist flick has charm in spades. Though the slightly silly nature of the whole thing might put off the more discerning and irascible audience member, suspending disbelief opens the door to a world that simply aims to provide a good time for the viewer.

Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves

A charming thief and a band of unlikely adventurers embark on an epic quest to retrieve a lost relic, but things go dangerously awry when they run afoul of the wrong people.

13 Dune: Part Two Is An Epic Instant Classic

It intensifies everything part one set in motion.

The second part in Denis Villeneuve's epic adaptation of Frank Herbert's novel, Dune: Part Two continues Paul Atreides' mission of revenge after his father was murdered by the vicious Harkonnens . Paul and his mother find allies among the Fremen, the native people of Arrakis, who begin to view him as their prophesied messiah, the Lisan al Gaib.

Dune: Part Two is bloody, thematic, and bold, complete with dazzling imagery that is so often missing from modern movies. The film is a chilling cautionary tale, as audiences watch Paul go from an honorable hero to a tyrant. The movie received terrific reviews from critics and fans flocked to the theaters to see it, giving way to the upcoming sequel, Dune: Messiah .

Dune: Part Two

Paul Atreides unites with Chani and the Fremen while seeking revenge against the conspirators who destroyed his family.

12 Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom Is Sometimes Too Much

But it's nonetheless a fun entry in the franchise.

The weakest of the Indiana Jones movies is still a classic in its own right. The first thing to acknowledge is that, as with many films of the time, its interpretation and depiction of indigenous populations worldwide hasn't aged well. Individual characters within the movie are also riddled with stereotypes that reflected poorly on the movie industry at the time.

That enormous caveat aside, The Temple of Doom has everything that makes an Indiana Jones movie such an enjoyable watch . An iconic Harrison Ford continues his quest to be the world's most rugged archaeologist and has to deal with all the threats that go along with that. With bad guys, boulders, and buried treasure aplenty, it remains a fun entry into the genre.

Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom

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.

11 Brilliant Casting Anchors The Curse of the Black Pearl

The first pirates of the caribbean film is the best.

The first movie in the now-extensive franchise of films inspired by the Disneyland ride is a good lesson in what can be done with an effective story and brilliant casting. Johnny Depp's turn as Captain Jack Sparrow is so inspired that it has become the character he is most associated with despite his extensive and high-quality back catalog.

The layered mysteries within Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl are as intriguing to an audience of adults as they are to the younger crowd the film was aimed at , and the adventurous atmosphere is more noticeable because of it. Something is captivating about the age of piracy that seemingly never dulls in any form of media, and the fantastical elements that go alongside the historical inspirations set the movie apart from efforts before or since.

Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl

Blacksmith Will Turner teams up with eccentric pirate "Captain" Jack Sparrow to save his love, the governor's daughter, from Jack's former pirate allies, who are now undead.

10 Jurassic Park Was a Mega-Hit

And it began a long-running franchise, 10 coolest dinosaurs in the jurassic park movies, ranked.

The dinosaurs of the original Jurassic Park trilogy changed cinema forever by creating some of the coolest creatures to ever appear on the big screen.

With the relentless passage of time, it's easy to forget just how groundbreaking Jurassic Park was when it was released. Fans knew they were going to get dinosaurs when they went to watch the film. But what many were not expecting were practical effects combined with CGI, creating animals that felt intimately real and spectacularly dangerous .

What starts as a relatively simple story about dinosaurs in a theme park soon becomes a spectacular lesson in natural sets. The plot conveys a wider message about the dangers of artificially altering the planet's natural ecosystem. A predictably brilliant performance from Jeff Goldblum and a masterful demonstration of understated acting from the late Richard Attenborough rightfully secured Jurassic Park 's position as a bona fide -hit.

Jurassic Park

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.

9 Jumanji Is a Heartwarming Adventure for All

Robin williams gives a great performance.

The late Robin Williams is rightly remembered for his contributions across the industry, but it was Jumanji that balanced his genuine ability with the sense of childlike wonder that defined the man. Though he was already a huge star by this point, his adventures with the board game that transports players to a far-off land would sum up everything that made him so unique.

After two siblings discover the game Jumanji in their new house, they begin to play without knowing the full consequences of their actions . Once its magical properties have become clear, they discover Alan (Williams), a boy who has been trapped in the game for so long that he has since become a man. It's a heartwarming and memorable adventure film with all the qualities that would turn it into a family favorite worldwide.

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.

8 Aliens Elevated Its Franchise To New Heights

The franchise went from horror to sci-fi action.

While the first film in the Alien franchise adhered closely to the horror genre, Aliens upgrades its genre to a pure action adventure while expanding its use of special effects to create a now legendary showdown between the protagonist Ellen Ripley and the aliens. With legendary director James Cameron taking the helm of the movie, Aliens features the epic second round between Sigourney Weaver's Ellen Ripley and the terrifying xenomorphs .

Aliens is one of the most iconic sci-fi action adventure movies ever. Combining elements of horror with fantastical action sequences that are remembered fondly almost fifty years later, the sequel also gives Sigourney Weaver a chance to truly shine in the lead role. Movies like Aliens simply aren't made anymore, cementing the film's place in cinema history.

Decades after surviving the Nostromo incident, Ellen Ripley is sent out to re-establish contact with a terraforming colony but finds herself battling the Alien Queen and her offspring.

7 The Princess Bride Is One of the Greatest Cult Hits

This 1980's flick is a go-to feel-good film for many.

Fondly remembered for the memes it has provided the internet more than anything else, The Princess Bride is one of the most endearing movies audiences are ever likely to see . Though it was initially a box office disappointment (though not a bomb), it became one of the great cult hits of the '80s and the pinnacle of Rob Reiner's extensive back catalog.

The Princess Bride 's plot follows the story of a piratical farmhand who must rescue his love from her pretty dislikable betrothed. The whole thing is irrepressibly charming and ended up being selected for preservation by the Library of Congress due to being "culturally, historically or aesthetically significant." There is no higher praise than that.

The Princess Bride

A bedridden boy's grandfather reads him the story of a farmboy-turned-pirate who encounters numerous obstacles, enemies and allies in his quest to be reunited with his true love.

6 Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade Is Iconic

This movie epitomizes everything great about the genre, top 50 best superhero and comic book movies.

Comic books and superheroes go hand in hand, creating invigorating movies. The ones that stand out keep people coming back for sequels and rewatches.

Perhaps the most iconic of the Indiana Jones movies thanks to its rampant use of symbolism and the race against the almost comically evil Nazis, Last Crusade is a wonderful film in its own right. Acting as the conclusion to the original trilogy, it features commendable performances from Sean Connery, River Phoenix, John Rhys-Davies, and, of course, Harrison Ford.

The deliberate choice to move away from the more serious tone of Temple of Doom was good, and callbacks to Raiders are enjoyable, if inconsequential, fan service. What makes the film work is the undeniable chemistry between Ford and Connery, bringing a dimension to the classic character of Indiana Jones that was lacking in the previous films . With a tight script and a soundtrack that resonates throughout the genre to this day, Last Crusade is everything great about the action genre inside one movie.

Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade

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.

5 The Mummy Is Silly Yet Charming

It has a surprising appeal.

Brendan Fraser's recent return to prominence was met with near-universal support by audiences who were desperate to see his considerable talent on the big screen again. This was due, in large part, to his Indiana Jones-esque turn in 1999's The Mummy . The movie follows Fraser's adventurer Rick O'Connell and Egyptologist Evelyn (played predictably well by Rachel Weisz) as they attempt to deal with the fallout of awakening an ancient being during an archaeological dig.

The Mummy is silly, but that's exactly why it remains so charming . It doesn't bring with it any pretense of grandeur or faux pomposity and instead elects to deliver a movie that has a near-universal appeal. The Mummy is a bombastic adventure for the entire family to enjoy and has aged much better than 2017's The Mummy which was dead on arrival.

The Mummy (1999)

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.

4 Raiders of the Lost Ark Introduced the Iconic Hero

Indiana jones shows how much action a movie can hold.

Even in the Indiana Jones franchise, Raiders of the Lost Ark stands out as the perfect action movie. Archaeologist Indiana Jones is tasked with recovering the Ark of the Covenant before the Nazis can get their hands on it. Along the way, he meets up with an old flame while he fights off his rival who has aligned with the Nazis in an adventure that follows Jones across the globe. With its trademark comic book style, the movie captured the genre well before comic book movies were mainstays.

An all-time classic, it features an iconic performance from Harrison Ford as the luckless Dr. Jones and some of Steven Spielberg's greatest and most intricate action sequences . Indy faces all kinds of danger in this movie, from an epic swordsman to the iconic boulder chasing him. Compared to other action films, it's more family-friendly, but this doesn't take away from Raiders ' high stakes and memorable chases and fights.

Raiders of the Lost Ark

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.

3 The Empire Strikes Back Revolutionized Cinema Forever

Star wars episode v delivered one of cinema's greatest shocks.

The second installment of what has since been dubbed "The Original Trilogy," Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back picks up after the events of A New Hope , with the Empire hot in pursuit of the Rebels, including Luke Skywalker, Leia Organa, and Han Solo. After their base is destroyed, the Rebels are scattered, forcing Luke to travel alone to Dagobah, where he trains to be a Jedi under the mysterious Master Yoda.

The Empire Strikes Back redefined what a blockbuster movie could be, featuring multiple large-scale action scenes, shocking twists, and an ambitious cliffhanger ending the likes of which audiences had never seen before. The film is an all-time classic, cementing Star Wars as one of the most beloved franchises in cinema history, with The Empire Strikes Back often labeled the best installment.

Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back

After the Rebels are overpowered by the Empire, Luke Skywalker begins his Jedi training with Yoda, while his friends are pursued across the galaxy by Darth Vader and bounty hunter Boba Fett.

2 Star Wars: A New Hope Started It All

The first installment is still loved for good reason.

While it's been said many times, it bears repeating that when Star Wars: A New Hope was released in 1977, the movie revolutionized what a movie could do. As cynical and war-weary as Americans were, audiences could still put a profound amount of emotional investment into a film.

Using a combination of revolutionary special effects and tried and true cinema tropes, Star Wars follows the idealistic young hero, the universe-weary mercenary, the wise mentor from a bygone era, a princess with spunk, a couple of Laurel and Hardy-style droids, and one hairy Wookie on an adventure to save the galaxy from tyranny . What more could audiences ask for? The action, the heart, and the epic battle of good versus evil still hold today.

1 The Lord Of The Rings Trilogy Is An Admirable Adaptation

The fellowship of the ring begins an epic story.

The first movie in Jackson's now-legendary trilogy is a brilliant demonstration of how to take the viewer along for the ride and build realization at the same speed as the protagonists. What starts as a relatively idyllic setting soon becomes a journey into the unknown, which in turn becomes a quest to save the world as they know it.

Though The Fellowship of the Ring doesn't have the huge set pieces available in the second and third movies, it does an incredible job of making Middle-earth seem majestic and real . If Fellowship hadn't established the immersion of Middle-earth, the other entries might not have been so impactful. From the wonder of Rivendell to the horror of the depths of Moria, it's a masterful demonstration of how to deliver an adaptation that caters to everyone from the casual audience member to the most discerning Tolkien scholar.

The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring

A meek Hobbit from the Shire and eight companions set out on a journey to destroy the powerful One Ring and save Middle-earth from the Dark Lord Sauron.

The Two Towers Includes The Great Battle Of Helms Deep

Ranking the three Lord of the Rings movies is as monumental a task even to the most hardened fan. That said, and by the barest of margins, some deem The Two Towers as the lesser of the three. Tolkien himself found the second novel awkward after his publisher demanded the series be split into three. Despite Jackson's alterations to the timeline, the movie still has the remnants of that legacy.

That is one of the few negative things to say about a film that took the beautiful fantasy world depicted in Fellowship and stuffed it full of nefarious and immediate threats. The Battle for Helm's Deep will forever remain one of the greatest battles ever put to film , even if the elves shouldn't have been there, and it was worth having Legolas surf down the stairs on a shield — if only for the memes.

The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers

While Frodo and Sam edge closer to Mordor with the help of the shifty Gollum, the divided fellowship makes a stand against Sauron's new ally, Saruman, and his hordes of Isengard.

The Return of the King Won 11 Oscars — And Rightfully So

The epic and sprawling conclusion to the most consistently excellent series of all time, The Return of the King is everything fans would expect from an adaptation of the author's works and beyond . The eschewing of CGI during The Return of the King 's impossibly large battle sequences creates a sense of dread and consequence that was lost in the later Hobbit series.

Maybe it was the journey that the series had taken its audience on, or perhaps the perfection of the methods used in earlier films, but The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King might be the closest thing to a perfect adaptation that fans are likely to get. Of course, fans of the books had a couple of things to complain about. But what is remarkable about these films, in general, and Return of the King in particular, is how much Jackson got right. The film still has the record for most Oscar wins with 11 — a record it shares with Titanic and Ben-Hur .

The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King

Gandalf and Aragorn lead the World of Men against Sauron's army to draw his gaze from Frodo and Sam as they approach Mount Doom with the One Ring.

98 Best Adventure Movies All Time Ranked

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

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Best Action & Adventure Movies 2021

During a year when moviegoers largely stayed at home, it’s rather fitting that three of the top five Action & Adventure movies were Westerns (yes, High Ground is distinctly Australian, but it’s a Western in spirit). What better way to help ease that cabin fever than to gaze at lushly photographed vistas and watch grizzled cowpokes ride swiftly across them on their majestic steeds? But perhaps even more fitting than that is the fact that Daniel Craig’s final outing as James Bond topped the list to take home the Golden Tomato, which, we’re sure, will be the crowning achievement of his tenure as 007.

The order reflects Tomatometer scores (as of December 31, 2021) after adjustment from our ranking formula, which compensates for variation in the number of reviews when comparing movies or TV shows.

No Time to Die (2021) 83%

Old Henry (2021) 95%

The Harder They Fall (2021) 88%

High Ground (2020) 90%

Free Guy (2021) 80%

Shadow in the Cloud (2020) 77%

Army Of The Dead (2021) 67%

Wrath of Man (2021) 68%

Jungle Cruise (2021) 62%

Army of Thieves (2021) 69%

More golden tomato awards 2021.

Best Movies 2021

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Living the Hero's Journey: Exploring Your Role in the Action-Adventure of a Lifetime Paperback – April 27, 2017

Purchase options and add-ons, uncover your life path.

• Unroll the Map of Self-Discovery and embrace a whole new world of wisdom.
• Gain access to the hidden location that holds the answers to the meaning of life.
• Explore the pathways and side roads of the Inner Journey with strength and confidence.
• Unlock the secrets of the Ancient Greeks who mastered the intricacies of Know Thyself.
• Demystify the process of understanding and actualizing your purpose and passion.
• Meet your mentor and learn how to earn the essential and indispensable gift .
• Summon the courage to be the hero in the action-adventure story that is your life!
• Print length 227 pages
• Language English
• Publication date April 27, 2017
• Dimensions 5.5 x 0.57 x 8.5 inches
• ISBN-10 0979044855
• ISBN-13 978-0979044854
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• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Live and Learn Publishing (April 27, 2017)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 227 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0979044855
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0979044854
• Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 10.2 ounces
• Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.5 x 0.57 x 8.5 inches
• #564 in Humanist Philosophy
• #1,436 in Consciousness & Thought Philosophy

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About the author

Will Craig is a writer~photographer traveling the world on the journey of a lifetime. He is the founder and former dean of Coach Training Alliance, an international life coaching and mentoring company. He holds a Masters degree in Education and Human Development from the George Washington University. His passion is helping people discover a better life by charting new adventures in world travel and international living.

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Customers find the book offers encouragement and insights to realize one's full potential. They also say the content is simple to understand and the book takes a creative approach to discovering one''s purpose. Readers describe the plot as inspiring, empowering, and transformative. They find the content entertaining to read and chock full of inspiring quotes.

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Customers find the book offers encouragement and insights to realize one's full potential. They also say the Heroes Journey is like a great life manual with insightful questions. Readers say the book is challenging but answers truthfully. They say the humanistic approach provides remarkable clarity and is easy to understand.

"...It invites you explore the road of trials , take the leap of faith, identify your mentors and ultimately answer the call to adventure - so that you..." Read more

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Best Adventure Books

Embark on a journey through fantastical worlds and daring exploits with this compilation of adventure books, consistently chosen as top reads by adventure literati and genre experts..

25 best adventure games to get swept up in right now

From Baldur's Gate 3 to Far Cry, the best adventure games are for the daring

The best adventure games out there take us to a myriad of different virtual worlds and introduce us to a host of memorable characters and scenarios. From fantasy  realms to post-apocalyptic landscapes and space-faring locales, there's no shortage of great journeys to set out on across various genres. With some of the best game stories to experience, the best adventure games are often offer up plenty of exploration, unexpected surprises, and action, whether it be traversing across the Wild West, discovering the tale of a family home, or getting swept up in the realms of Norse mythology, this list showcases just how much is on offer for anyone looking for a new adventure to dive into. 

With some of the best-single player games and best co-op games among our selection, there's something for everyone, with picks across multiple platforms. While we certainly have plenty to look forward to when it comes to all of the new games for 2024 on the horizon, read on below to find the best adventure games you can play right now. 

Recent updates

Our list of the best adventure games was updated on March 22. We have nothing more to add right now, but we've made sure that all our recommendations below still deserve their spots.

25. Fallout 4

Developer: Bethesda Game Studios Platform(s): PC, PS4, Xbox One 

Now may not seem like the ideal time to revisit a post-apocalyptic landscape that has reduced former major cities to ghost towns but, hey, what better way is there to adjust to the desertion of the outside world? Fallout 4 may be bleak at times, what with the whole nuclear devastation and that, but it ultimately presents us with lands to explore that are rich in detail, populated by unforgettable characters - robot detectives! Ghoulified radio lovers! -, and ripe for the chance to build your own community on. While you wander through the scorched remains of a society devastated by an invisible enemy (in the form of radiation).

24. A Way Out

Developer: Hazelight Platform(s): PC, PS4, Xbox One

If single-player adventures aren’t for you, not to worry - A Way Out is here to ensure that those that favour split-screen offerings still get the chance to engage in the high-stakes campaigns that solo players often get to sink their teeth into. Opening in a prison in the 1970s, A Way Out urges a player and their partner to work together effectively to plot their escape from incarceration. It’s an inventive set-up, in which players must work with one another smartly if they are to make any kind of progress - at some point, one player will have to create a distraction so that the other can pick up an object that will aid them in their escape plan. By the end of the game, the two players helping the protagonists Leo and Vincent to go on the run will become as close as the characters they’re controlling and may even shed a tear or two as the story nears its conclusion.

23. Starfield

Developer: Bethesda Game Studios Platform(s): PC, Xbox Series X

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If exploring the galaxy is your idea of a good time, you've probably at least heard of Starfield already. Bethesda's sprawling deep space RPG is a lot more than an open world adventure: it's an intergalactic one, and that means the sky's no limit at all. With skip customization, a range of unique character backgrounds to choose from, and of course no shortage of winding journeys to take among the stars, Starfield is a veritable adventure playground.

22. Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart

Developer: Insomniac Games Platform: PS5

One of the finest duos to ever grace the gaming world, there are few pairs you’ll spend a better time with than this particular Lombax and his robot pal. The plot at heart is simple enough - our unlikely twosome travel from planet to planet in an attempt to keep the galaxy safe from the egotists that threaten it. With plenty of laughs, puzzles to solve, and hoverboard races to take part in, Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart 's heroes serve as two of the most easily entertaining characters out there and joining them on their missions never once involves a dull moment.

21. Far Cry 4

Developer: Ubisoft Platform(s): PC, PS4, Xbox One  

The Far Cry series has always excelled at creating eccentric, deeply unhinged villains and this fourth offering is no exception. In fact, Far Cry 4 may contain the greatest antagonist these games have ever seen: I mean, how could anyone forget Pagan Min? The flamboyant lover of colourful suits may have been the head of a brutal tyranny but, boy, did he have one-liners to spare. In your quest to free the fictional Himalayan country of Kyrat, you come across Min time and time again while you team up with rebel forces and ride elephants to your heart’s content. You’ll be hard pressed to find another villain quite as fun as Min in your other adventures, that much I can promise.

20. The Wolf Among Us

Developer: Telltale Games Platform(s): PC, PS4, Xbox One, Android, iOS

This 2014 cult hit from Telltale took classic fairytale characters, reimagined them in a hidden town in 1980s New York and then dropped them all into the mix of a murder investigation that the player leads. As the reformed Big Bad Wolf, you get to lead the search for the murderer like the kind of gruff detective you’d find in early 2000s TV shows; only in this case, the suspects and aides are all familiar fairytale folk. In episodic installments, you are tasked with unravelling the mystery of the killings that are taking place in Fabletown and, soon enough, the whole fabric of this strange community starts to fall apart. The Wolf Among Us is an oddity that you won’t forget in a hurry, so head on into Fabletown and enjoy the topsy turvy nature of it all.

19. Hogwarts Legacy

Developer: Avalanche Software Platforms: PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X, Xbox One

Potterheads unite! Hogwarts Legacy is a sprawling fantasy RPG that plants you in the shoes of a fifth-year student at the iconic wizarding school, but there's a lot more to it than slinging spells and feeding hippogriffs. One aspect that the game truly excels in is its stunning world-building. The huge map comprises not only Hogwarts and neighbouring village Hogsmeade, but plenty of smaller hamlets, creature dens, and enemy encampments hidden amid the thick overgrowth of forest. You'll want to spend hours soaring over tranquil coastlines before hopping off your broom to puzzle through a Merlin trial; just don't forget to complete those assignments, too. 

18. Gone Home

Developer: Fullbright Platform(s): PC, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, iOS

If you like your adventures with just a touch of tragedy and a thoughtful look at issues concerning gender and sexuality, then Gone Home is the indie title you should be exploring. It may not involve the use of heavy weaponry the way the other entries on this list do and it may not take you across sweeping lands, but it does invite you to seek out a gripping and bittersweet story of one girl’s reason for fleeing her family home. Told through the lens of a young woman in search of her sister, Gone Home is devised of wandering through a big, empty house and slowly combing through clues to what has unfolded here. It may not sound like an adventure in the traditional sense but it is certainly fascinating enough to keep you as entertained as the aforementioned big budget games do.

17. Bioshock Infinite

Developer: Irrational Games Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch

If you weren’t satisfied with knocking several rounds out of a crazed tyrant in Far Cry 5, try Bioshock Infinite on for size. In a dramatic change of scenery from the first two Bioshock games, Infinite takes you sky high (literally) by thrusting you, as the fantastically named Booker DeWitt, into Columbia - a floating city ruled by a figure that fancies himself as a God. Like all Bioshock entries, Infinite is notable for its creepy atmosphere (even with a new, bright colour palette that serves as the complete opposite to its predecessors) and ability to scare the absolute crap out of players even when all seems calm. Don’t question the complexities of the varying timelines you come across, just trust those creepy twins.

16. Guardians of the Galaxy

Developer: Eidos Montreal Platform(s): PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch In this brilliantly entertaining and humor-filled adventure, you take on the role of Star-Lord as you set out across the galaxy with your rag-tag team. Filled with action and plenty of surprises along the way, you'll find yourself wrapped up in quest to save the day against an intergalactic threat - all in a day's work, right? With a loveable cast of characters that form up your crew, each member will offer something different in the story, including fighting styles when you enter into combat. From chatting with your misfit crew aboard the Milano to landing on strange alien planets, Guardians of the Galaxy takes you on an uproarious ride you won't want to miss. 

15. Star Wars Jedi: Survivor

Developer: Respawn Entertainment Platforms: PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X, Xbox One

  Star Wars Jedi: Survivor is one of the best Star Wars games for good reason. Cal is back, the young Jedi at odds with the Galactic Empire, and this time he's brought friends. With five different lightsaber types and the option between a single or double-blade, wielding the Force has never looked snazzier. And were would be be without an old-fashioned blaster? Expect memorable characters and a stunning story to boot when you load into Jedi Survivor the first time, just two reasons why we deem it one of the best action-adventure games ever.

Developer: BlueTwelve Platform(s): PC, PS5, PS4

Stray takes you on one pawsome adventure as a little cat who, after getting lost, must find their way through a neon-tinted cybercity inhabited by robots. Along the way, you'll meet a little robot called B12 who accompanies you as you run along the streets, climb up buildings, and paw at paint cans to find your way through. With plenty of mysteries wrapped up in its world, you'll puzzle your way through the city and experience everything from the perspective a fluffy. From pawing at paint cans to known them over, to curling up for a snooze, and scratching at rugs, you'll get to do all the things a cat would do as you explore. Oh, and there's a dedicated meow-button, of course. 

13. Until Dawn

Developer: Supermassive Games Platform(s): PS4

Often billed as one of the most inventive survival horror games around, this 2015 hit from Supermassive Games is the story of one night spent in the snowy Blackwood Mountains, where you switch in and out of playing as eight different characters; all of whom must band together to escape from the varying, mysterious terrors crashing their winter gathering. The gameplay in Until Dawn is mostly made of quicktime events and, much like in Life is Strange, the butterfly effect is employed throughout the story to ensure that the player is constantly aware of the consequences of their rash actions - something which raises the stakes of the game and makes for a much more intriguing trawl through the woods than your usual horror fare. When isolation stops you from spending an actual night cooped up with friends somewhere, why not do it in Until Dawn, instead? Minus the Wendigos, obviously.

12. Wolfenstein 2: The New Colossus

Developer: Platform(s): PC, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch

There is, perhaps, nothing more satisfying than taking down hordes of Nazis over and over again while also fusing your body with a souped-up supersuit. And you can quote me on that. Assuming the role once again of BJ Blazkowicz in this umpteenth entry in the legendary series, Wolfenstein 2: The New Colossus might be the only game ever to feature an entire sequence in which you come face to face with Adolf Hitler on Venus. Yes, that really does happen. Wolfenstein places you right in the belly of the beast (that is to say, a Nazi-occupied America) and lets you unleash hell on anyone that stands in the way of liberation. The New Colossus is not only a whole heap of absurd fun but also packs in plenty of inspired characters and moments of equal hilarity and even tenderness. All in all, it’s a (literal) blast.

11. Assassin's Creed Valhalla

Developer: Ubisoft Platform(s): PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One

Assassin's Creed Valhalla takes you on a sprawling adventure as Viking newly arrived in England. As Eivor, you'll be raiding for riches, growing your settlement, and journeying out into the vast open-world to uncover all of its secrets. With a main story arc and plenty of side quests to keep you busy, there's no shortage of adventures to experience with an axe in hand. And with so much to see and explore in the base game, there's also a host of new DLC additions and updates to keep you busy for a long time yet. Leaning into the RPG side of the series more than ever, you'll also get to decide what actions to take as you progress. 

10. Life is Strange

Developer: Dontnod Platform(s): PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One 

Life is Strange takes you on a journey through an extraordinary period of time in a teenage girl’s life, filled with moments where the choices you make are bound to have an unchangeable impact on the future. Set in a small town - a site which serves as a tentative and delicate exploration of identity - Life is Strange sees the protagonist Max rewind time, and forge and lose friendships in an attempt to solve the mystery that is engulfing her home of Arcadia Bay. With expert storytelling and emotional intelligence both on display at all times here, Life is Strange is the perfect adventure for anyone in search of poignancy. And thanks to the remastered collection, you can experience the game that started the series with improved graphics. 

9. Telltale's The Walking Dead

Developer: Telltale Games Platform(s): PC, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch

Arguably the jewel in Telltale’s crown, this take on the seemingly eternal comic book series is fraught with emotional devastation, sensitivity and near-on impossible choices to make; all while battling off hordes of walkers. Don’t make the mistake of thinking that just because The Walking Dead is deeply rooted in emotion that it isn’t also a dynamic and often terrifying slice of action. You’ll have to fend off the creatures clawing at your flesh just as much as you’ll have to make difficult and strategic decisions. If you’re looking for a real distraction in lockdown, look to this test of morals nestled in an unassuming zombie game you might otherwise overlook.

8. Uncharted: The Nathan Drake Collection

Developer: Naughty Dog Platform(s): PS4

Is it even possible to have a discussion of the great adventure games without mentioning Nathan Drake’s name at least once? In Naughty Dog’s definitive series, you get to step into the old journeyman’s boots of Nathan - treasure hunter extraordinaire and all-round charming Indiana Jones type, with his own fascinating backstory to boot (if you can excuse the pun). Across four installments, Nathan travels across the globe along with fellow ragtags in search of artefacts, truth and glories galore. Filled with puzzles, shoot-outs and plenty of stealth for those that prefer sneaking their way through decaying ruins, Uncharted is infinite in the joys it provides for anyone wondering if X really does mark the spot with all the spare time they have at home now.

Developer: Bethesda Game Studios Platform(s): PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch

Skyrim is one adventure many keep coming back to since it was first released over a decade ago, and with good reason. While it's partly thanks to the fact that Skyrim has landed on so many platforms over the years, it's also mainly because it serves up a rich world where you have your own adventures. As the Dragonborn the main campaign will keep you plenty busy, but the expansive world is ripe for all kinds of escapades to boot; with many secrets, side quests, and encounters to discover in Tamriel. With the release on new-consoles and an update that introduces fishing, there's never been a better time to step in the world of Skyrim - whether you're revisiting it or experiencing it for the first time. 

6. The Last of Us

Developer: Naughty Dog Platform(s): PS4 

It is difficult to decide what to classify The Last of Us as. Part searing tale of humanity, part classic tragedy and part terrifying test of survival; the story of Joel, Ellie and their journey through a desolate America provides some of the most moving moments in gaming history and is surely one of the greatest adventures there is. Though they are not in search of hidden treasure but, rather, a life away from the infected that roam the overgrown streets, Joel and Ellie are no less adventurers than Naughty Dog’s other lauded heroes, like Nathan Drake. Consisting of gameplay that often sees you counting your bullets and making ‘em count, staying hidden from those infamous “clickers” and wandering through the ruins of former American states, The Last of Us is an incredibly well-paced and structured piece of work - just don’t be afraid to have a cry every now and then.

5. Baldur's Gate 3

Developer: Larian Studios Platforms: PC, PS5

Widely regarded as one of the best RPGs of recent years, Baldur's Gate 3 is a winding adventure through the D&D universe. Set on the Sword Coast and spanning three stunning acts, the main campaign of BG3 is one fraught with magic, danger, and no shortage of mesmerising characters to meet along the way. In true tabletop fashion, BG3's combat is turn based - but don't let that put you off. Exploring is as easy as clicking on items, spots on the ground, or NPCs to converse with, and with fully-motion captured dialogue animations, there's something universally yet uniquely charming about Baldur's Gate 3.

4. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Developer: CD Projekt Red Platform(s): PC, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch

Sometimes you need a companion in your gaming whose humour is sardonic enough to keep you entertained. Enter Geralt the Witcher, who brings with him in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt one of the most wide-reaching and versatile adventures ever seen, as you inadvertently end up caught in a battle between empires for control and even solve a few murder mysteries involving elves and werewolves in the search for your adoptive daughter across a vast and unforgiving terrain. The many quests of Geralt of Rivia are plentiful and emotional enough that no gamer could want for anything once they pick up a controller and put on his Witcher’s medallion.

3. God of War

Developer: Santa Monica Studio Platform(s ): PC, PS4 

Anyone that owned a console back in 2005 surely remembers the trials and tribulations of Kratos, the infamous Spartan god and harbinger of destruction in the ancient world, no? Even if you didn’t play the original God of War series, the reboot made for the PS4 in 2018 is brilliant. In a touching story centred around father and son, you assume the role of Kratos in what initially appears to be an unassuming journey to scatter the ashes of his late wife (and his son’s mother) and soon end up embroiled in the wrath of Odin, the whispers of the World Serpent and the stories of all sorts of other mythical figures. Both an enthralling adventure and a tender study of the sacrifices we make for family, God of War is as thrilling as it is tear-jerking. 

2. Marvel’s Spider-Man 2

Developer: Insomniac Games Platform(s): PS5 

The first Marvel’s Spider-Man was hard to top, but incredibly, Insomniac pulled it off in Marvel's Spider-Man 2 . There are no bubbling volcanoes, arid deserts, or vast oceans to conquer, but the streets of downtown Manhattan prove perilous enough. The snag is that Marvel's Spider-Man 2 is a PS5-exclusive, making it a bit less accessible to those of us without Sony 's latest console. 

Not only is it one of the best adventure games you can play right now, it's arguably one of the best PS5 games yet. It has everything a Peter Parker fan could want: dynamic swinging mechanics for traversing New York, skilful combat against tremendous (and familiar) foes, and even a spot of GTA 5 -style character swapping for good measure when you want to step into the shoes of Miles Morales. The city is a bustling jungle that's yours to explore, filled with side-quests and collectibles to keep you busy between main missions. The action-adventure elements balance each other out so perfectly, there's a reason our Features Editor Joe Donnelly says it's "quite simply the best superhero game yet" in his Marvel's Spider-Man 2 review .

1. Red Dead Redemption 2

Developer: Rockstar Platform(s): PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X, Xbox One

In one of the most ambitious and sprawling games in recent memory, you can strap on outlaw Arthur Morgan’s stirrups and spend hour after hour journeying through the last days of the Western frontier in the company of your trusty horse and a few old friends. In this prequel to the much-loved Red Dead Redemption, weirdly named Red Dead Redemption 2 , you find yourself playing as a member of Dutch van der Linde’s legendary gang, alongside a younger version of the original, legendary Red Dead protagonist John Marston, and are able to ride freely across a great American landscape. You are faced with either taking the path of the honourable man as the era of the Wild West approaches its death or spending your days being as terrible an outlaw can be - the choice is yours as you lasso your way through one adventure to the next. 

For more sprawling tales of intrigue and adventure, check out our pick of the best RPG games you can play right now. 

Hannah Ryan started her time at GamesRadar+ as an intern, writing news and features for the site. However, Hannah is now a freelance digital programmer and trending news writer at CNN, contributing to the news programming and curating the day's breaking stories for the digital homepage. Hannah has a MA Magazine Journalism and has years of experience in broadcasting and production through her time working as a presenter for the Xpress radio station. 

• Jasmine Gould-Wilson Staff Writer, GamesRadar+
• Heather Wald Senior staff writer

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8 Best Games Inspired By Journey To The West, Ranked

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The Best Dragon Ball Games Of All Time, Ranked

6 forgotten one-off hack and slash games that are worth revisiting, black myth: wukong - 5 things you should know before picking up the game, key takeaways.

• Dive into the iconic Journey to the West with video games inspired by Wu Cheng'en's legendary tale.
• From SonSon's arcade platformer to Saiyuki's tactical RPG, experience the novel's heroes in gaming.
• Black Myth: Wukong offers a stylish RPG adventure, the most authentic adaptation of the classic story.

Part history, part fantasy, part comedy, and part religious treatise, Wu Cheng’en’s Journey to the West is an iconic piece of Chinese literature. Based loosely on the priest Xuanzeng’s real pilgrimage to India, it spiced up proceedings by giving the monk Sanzang three divine protectors in the river ogre Sha Wujing, the pig demon Zhu Bajie, and the magic monkey Sun Wukong.

The Witcher & 9 Other Amazing Games Based On Books

The literary world has had a huge impact on gaming, with many of the industry's biggest franchises being based on books, short stories, and novels.

It has inspired a wide range of media, from books, shows, and movies to comics and video games — though some games are closer to the legend than others. Whether they let players control Wukong and co. themselves, or pit them against Sanzang’s guardians, these are the best games inspired by Journey to the West .

Journey To The East Side Of The Screen

One of the oldest examples is Capcom’s SonSon , a side-scrolling arcade platformer like SNK’s later effort Psycho Soldier . Players control SonSon (Wukong) and/or TonTon (Bajie) across a continuous range of platforms with gaps they can stroll over or move up or down a level on. Their goal is to reach the Buddha statue at the end and blast any enemy away with magic.

It’s simple to pick up, though tricky to master, as those lanes can get crowded — even when they get special fruit power-ups to turn the tide. The game has been re-released through many Capcom compilations, like the Capcom Arcade 2nd Stadium , and has been referenced in many more, like SonSon’s granddaughter appearing as a playable character in Marvel Vs Capcom 2 .

7 Mega Man: The Wily Wars

The blue bomber takes on the novel's heroes, mega man: the wily wars.

Wait, wasn’t Mega Man: The Wily Wars just a Genesis remake of the first 3 NES games ? Well, yes. However, that was only part of the story. After beating all 3 remade games, it would unlock a new section called ‘The Wily Tower,’ where Mega Man could choose any of the weapons from MM’s 1-3 to tackle its stages.

They had to choose wisely, as at the end of its stages, they’d face a boss based on Journey to the West ’s heroes. The aquabot Mega Water.S, based on Sha Wujing, would dive and blast Mega Man with water jets. Hyper Storm.H uses his bulk to barge into Mega Man, though he's just as dim as his book counterpart, Zhu Bajie. Then, Buster Rod.G swings his rod and clones himself like Wukong.

6 Saiyuki: Journey West

A tactical approach to the story.

• Developer: Koei
• Platforms: PlayStation
• Release: August 2001

SonSon and Mega Man: The Wily Wars are good for references, but what if players wanted to experience the actual novel in a video game format? Later games managed this with some artistic license, though some old school games did try to cram the novel into an NES cartridge or an arcade board, to varying degrees of success.

One standout was Saiyuki: Journey West , a tactical RPG akin to Final Fantasy Tactics , where Wukong, Bajie, and Wujing could use their transformations in battle, with Sanzang as the healer. It didn’t set the world on fire back in the day, being a PS1 game released nearly a year after the PS2's launch. Still, Gamespot liked it enough to nominate it for their ‘Best Game No One Played’ prize at their 2001 awards.

5 Dragon Ball: Origins

How sun wukong created son goku, dragon ball: origins.

Nowadays, most people may know Journey to the West for inspiring the Dragon Ball series. Its main hero even uses Wukong’s Japanese name, Son Goku. That said, most Dragon Ball fans outside Japan got into the series with the explosive sagas of Dragon Ball Z , where the Journey to the West influences got turned down and other influences, like Superman , got turned up.

Not every Dragon Ball game lives up to fans' expectations. These are the best games ever made starring Goku and the rest of the Z fighters.

But, if players wanted to see those influences more overtly, one of the best ways outside the show itself would be Dragon Ball: Origins . The DS Zelda- like saw Goku’s first meetings with his friends, some closer to the book than others — Oolong’s introduction is almost 1:1 to Bajie’s debut in the novel, while others take more artistic license, like Erlang Shen inspiring Tien, or Wujing's ugly river ogre becoming the desert-dwelling Yamcha.

4 Warriors Orochi 3 Ultimate

The novel's priest fights for herself, warriors orochi 3 ultimate.

The Warriors Orochi series are basically Dynasty Warriors Vs Samurai Warriors , with some Sino-Japanese history and mythology thrown in. Sun Wukong turned up in Warriors Orochi 2 as a playable bad guy since the main villain, Taira Kiyomori, freed him from serving Sanzang and Nezha. Sanzang turned up in the PSP update, though it took Warriors Orochi 3 and its Ultimate update to go deeper.

To unlock Sanzang in WO3 , players follow the monkey-ish Hideyoshi Toyotomi and pig-like buffoon, Goemon, as they search for treasure. Instead, they get Sanzang, who aids them against the demonic hordes. Their arguing and clumsy scheming even reminds her of her old adventures with Bajie and Wukong. Nezha also makes his playable debut, though he originally came from an older story before turning up in Journey to the West.

3 Enslaved: Odyssey To The West

A pilgrimage to the post-apocalyptic future, enslaved: odyssey to the west.

Sanzang is supposed to be a male monk, but because of the Japanese translation’s ambiguous use of gender, he’s often turned up in their media as a woman, be it as Dragon Ball ’s Bulma, Warriors Orochi 3 ’s Sanzang, or in the 1978 Monkey series. This show actually made it abroad to the West, where Ninja Theory continued the trend for Enslaved: Odyssey to the West .

These hack-and-slash titles may have fallen by the wayside over the years, but fans of the genre should consider picking them up.

It’s a post-apocalyptic, futuristic take on the tale, where, after Monkey forces their ship to crash, Trip (Sanzang) uses a special headband to make him escort her home safely as recompense. The game played well, despite some frame rate hiccups, and earned multiple awards, particularly for Andy Serkis’ performance as Monkey. Unfortunately, that didn’t translate into sales, leaving it as one of Ninja Theory's most underrated games.

2 Unruly Heroes

Multiplayer madness in this action-adventure beat 'em up, unruly heroes.

• Developer: Magic Design Studios.
• Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC, Android, iOS.
• Release: January 2019.

Enslaved had stunning, vibrant graphics for its time, though its story was a relatively moody affair. The original Journey to the West novel, while not always sunshine and rainbows with its murder and monsters, had plenty of comedy in it (usually through Bajie and Monkey’s bickering childishness). Unruly Heroes plays up the novel’s lighter aspects by taking it in a more cartoony, fun-filled direction.

It turns the story into a Donkey Kong Country -esque platformer with Prince of Persia puzzle-solving, where players can switch between Sanzang, Wukong, Kihong (Bajie), and Sandmonk (Wujing) on the fly. That way, they can switch between their different skills and abilities (gliding, double jumping, etc.) to navigate various obstacles. It’s a fun little game that fell under the radar for many, but it delivers a strong showing through its deep ties to Journey to the West .

1 Black Myth: Wukong

The monkey returns in this stylish action-adventure rpg, black myth: wukong.

The most recent Journey to the West video game adaptation as of this writing is Black Myth: Wukong , which provides an alternate epilogue to the tale. Here, Wukong rejects the offer of immortality after his pilgrimage and is punished by Heaven for doing so by being sealed in stone. Since then, monkeys from Mount Huaguo have ventured out to try to revive him by collecting the 6 Relics he divided his spirit into. The latest one, armed with a staff like Wukong, is known only as The Destined One.

The game is filled with characters from the novel who either help the Destined One on his journey, like Bajie, or fight him, like Red Boy and Erlang Shen. Made by Chinese developers Game Science, it’s arguably the best and most authentic game based on the novel. It aims to be the first of many Black Myth games based on Chinese mythology. Since the game has already hit 10 million sales within the first three days , players should have little doubt about seeing more Black Myth games in the future.

Black Myth: Wukong is finally available for gamers to dive into. Here are some things to be aware of before picking the game up.

The 17 Best Jungle Adventure Movies, Ranked

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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?

17 'Anaconda' (1997)

Directed by luis llosa.

In Anaconda , documentary filmmaker Terri Flores, played by Jennifer Lopez , leads a crew on a perilous mission to find a lost tribe. Their journey takes a deadly turn when they encounter the enigmatic Paul Serone ( Jon Voight ), who harbors a sinister secret — he's hunting a monstrous, legendary anaconda. As the crew ventures deeper into the jungle, they become unwitting prey for the giant snake.

Viewers should prepare for heart-stopping moments when the anaconda's terrifying power is unleashed, coiling around unsuspecting victims and launching a relentless attack. Despite the mixed reviews, Anaconda is a jungle adventure classic for a good reason. This campy gem offers a unique blend of suspense and humor, garnering a devoted following. With a gripping plot, memorable (if slightly cheesy) performances, and a truly unforgettable serpent , Anaconda is a must-watch for fans of both adventure and horror movies who appreciate a good dose of camp. – Jom Elauria

Not available

16 'Lara Croft: Tomb Raider' (2001)

Directed by simon west.

Based on the best-selling video game franchise , Lara Croft: Tomb Raider sees the titular hero discovering a mysterious clock in her family mansion. This propels her to go on a global treasure hunt, leading her to search for two halves of an ancient artifact called the Triangle of Light, which is rumored to grant control over time.

Lara must decipher cryptic clues and navigate booby-trapped tombs to find the missing pieces. But a powerful secret society, the Illuminati, led by the cunning Manfred Powell, seeks the Triangle for their own nefarious purposes. Angelina Jolie entrances audiences as Lara, showcasing her acting skills as an action star. While there’s a lot left to be desired with the generic plot, the impressive stunts and incredible performances are more than enough to entice viewers . – Jom Elauria

Lara Croft: Tomb Raider

15 ‘dora and the lost city of gold’ (2019), directed by james bobin.

Dora and the Lost City of Gold is a heartwarming coming-of-age adventure focusing on the beloved children’s cartoon character. In it, Dora ( Isabela Merced ) is a bright and adventurous teenager who finds herself out of her element in high school. When news arrives that her parents are missing in the Amazon, Dora jumps at the chance to rescue them. Joined by her tech-savvy cousin Diego ( Jeff Wahlberg ) and a group of classmates who soon become unlikely allies, Dora embarks on a dangerous journey of self-discovery.

The fun recent Nickelodeon movie is m ore than just a kids' film as it’s a worthy live-action adaptation of the iconic character. It’s entertaining to both young viewers and nostalgic adults, with Moner fully embodying the character of Dora. The movie’s vibrant visuals, engaging storyline, and witty humor create a fun and memorable experience for audiences of all ages. – Jom Elauria

Rent on Apple TV

14 'Rugrats Go Wild' (2003)

Directed by john eng and norton virgien.

Rugrats Go Wild is an animated crossover movie that brings together the beloved babies of Rugrats and the adventurous Thornberry family of The Wild Thornberrys . When the Pickles family vacation goes awry, their shipwreck on a deserted island leads to an unlikely friendship between the Rugrats and Eliza Thornberry. Together, they use their unique talents (talking to animals, diaper-clad ingenuity) to navigate the dangers of the jungle.

From a mischievous leopard on the prowl to a volcanic eruption threatening their survival, the group faces challenges that test their courage and resourcefulness. While the plot of Ru grats Go Wild may not be the most complex, the true charm lies in the individual charm of the characters . It’s a heartwarming movie about friendship and family, all wrapped up in a thrilling jungle adventure. – Jom Elauria

Rugrats Go Wild

Rent on Amazon

13 'Romancing the Stone' (1984)

Directed by robert zemeckis.

Action and romance come together in the iconic '80s movie Romancing the Stone . In it, a cryptic treasure map falls into the hands of romance novelist Joan Wilder ( Kathleen Turner ). She then finds herself on a desperate mission to Colombia. With her kidnapped sister's life hanging in the balance, she teams up with the rugged adventurer Jack T. Colton ( Michael Douglas ).

The two must decipher ancient clues, navigate booby-trapped ruins, and outrun ruthless treasure hunters, all while fighting their growing attraction for each other. Praised for its blend of action and romance, plus plenty of laugh-out-loud moments , the film delivers a thrilling escape for viewers. Witty dialogue and engaging performances elevate the experience, securing Romancing the Stone a place among the great jungle adventure films of all time. – Jom Elauria

Romancing the Stone

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 Tubi

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 .

10 'The Lost City' (2022)

Directed by adam nee and 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

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

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

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 and 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)

Directed by jon favreau.

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.

The Jungle Book (1967)

2 'jurassic park' movies (1993 - 2001), directed by steven spielberg, colin trevorrow, joe johnston, and j.a. bayona.

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.

NEXT: The Best Deserted Island Movies, Ranked