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Best adventure movies to watch right now

Embark on thrilling journeys and discover lost treasures with our selection of the best adventure movies. These films promise excitement, danger, and unforgettable quests.

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey
The Mummy
Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle

Adventure films have captivated audiences for generations, whisking us away to distant lands, ancient ruins, and uncharted territories. What defines a great adventure movie? It's often a blend of daring heroes, formidable villains, pulse-pounding action, and the irresistible allure of the unknown.

From the iconic fedora of Indiana Jones in Raiders of the Lost Ark, setting the gold standard for archaeological thrills, to the epic fantasy quests of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit, the genre offers a vast landscape of possibilities. These stories tap into our innate desire for exploration and discovery, whether it's uncovering hidden secrets in a dusty tomb (The Mummy) or navigating treacherous new worlds (Avatar).

The best adventure films aren't just about the spectacle; they often feature memorable characters we root for, facing seemingly insurmountable odds. Think of the camaraderie in The Goonies or the reluctant heroism in The Princess Bride. They remind us that adventure can be found in unexpected places and often requires courage, wit, and a little luck.

This genre also showcases incredible filmmaking, pushing boundaries with practical effects in earlier classics and pioneering CGI to create breathtaking new realities in modern blockbusters. Whether it's sailing the high seas with pirates (Pirates of the Caribbean) or surviving a jungle full of prehistoric creatures (Jumanji), adventure movies consistently deliver high stakes and high entertainment. Prepare to be transported as we count down some must-watch adventure films.

14. The Jungle Book: Make-A-Wish (2016)

While specific details about The Jungle Book: Make-A-Wish are limited, it likely ties into the beloved story of Mowgli and his animal friends, possibly in connection with a charitable initiative like the Make-A-Wish Foundation. It could involve a special screening, an event related to the film's themes of friendship and adventure, or a short feature highlighting the impact of the story on a child's life. It connects to the adventurous spirit of the classic tale.

13. The Real Jurassic Park (1993)

Curious about the science behind bringing dinosaurs back to life, even if only on screen? The Real Jurassic Park likely explores the paleontological discoveries and scientific concepts that inspired Michael Crichton's novel and Steven Spielberg's iconic film. It would delve into what was known about dinosaurs at the time and the advancements in genetic science that fueled the fictional premise. A fascinating look at the real-world context behind a classic cinematic adventure.

12. Beyond the Movie: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)

Delve deeper into the world of Middle-earth with Beyond the Movie: The Fellowship of the Ring. This documentary explores the themes, lore, and real-world inspirations behind the first film in Peter Jackson's epic Lord of the Rings trilogy. It provides context on J.R.R. Tolkien's source material and discusses the mythology and languages he created. For anyone captivated by the journey of the Fellowship and the rich history of Middle-earth, this offers insightful background.

11. An Epic At Sea: The Making of Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003)

Ever wondered how they brought the swashbuckling world of Captain Jack Sparrow to life? An Epic At Sea: The Making of Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl takes you behind the scenes of the hit adventure film. This documentary offers a fascinating look at the challenges and triumphs of filming on water, creating stunning visual effects, and bringing the beloved characters and pirate lore to the big screen. It's a must-watch for fans curious about the craftsmanship behind the adventure.

An Epic At Sea: The Making of Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl

10. The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013)

Embark on a journey of self-discovery with The Secret Life of Walter Mitty. Ben Stiller directs and stars as Walter Mitty, a timid negative assets manager for Life magazine who frequently daydreams of epic adventures. When his job is threatened, he's forced to embark on a real-life global quest to find a missing photo negative. The film is visually stunning, showcasing incredible landscapes as Walter travels to places like Greenland, Iceland, and the Himalayas. It's an inspiring story about finding the courage to live the life you've imagined.

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty

9. The Princess Bride (1987)

Prepare for fencing, fighting, torture, revenge, giants, monsters, chases, escapes, true love, miracles... and that's just the summary! The Princess Bride is a beloved fairy tale adventure that cleverly blends comedy, romance, and action. Directed by Rob Reiner from William Goldman's screenplay (based on his own novel), it's framed as a grandfather reading a story to his sick grandson. The film features an ensemble cast delivering endlessly quotable lines. Did you know Mandy Patinkin (Inigo Montoya) wasn't initially skilled at fencing and trained extensively for the role, even becoming quite proficient?

The Princess Bride

8. The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (2005)

Step through the wardrobe into a magical land with The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. This adaptation of C.S. Lewis's classic fantasy novel introduces us to the Pevensie siblings who discover the world of Narnia during wartime evacuation. There, they join forces with the majestic lion Aslan to defeat the evil White Witch. The film beautifully brings the fantastical creatures and snowy landscapes of Narnia to life. Tilda Swinton's chilling portrayal of the White Witch is particularly captivating.

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

7. National Treasure (2004)

Dive into history and conspiracy with National Treasure! Nicolas Cage plays Benjamin Franklin Gates, a historian and cryptologist who embarks on a quest to find a legendary treasure hidden by the Founding Fathers. The search takes him through iconic American landmarks and involves deciphering clues hidden in plain sight, like on the back of the Declaration of Independence. The film blends history, puzzles, and action into an exciting modern-day treasure hunt. Did you know the production team worked closely with historians to ensure the historical elements, while fictionalized for the plot, had some basis in fact or lore?

National Treasure

6. The Goonies (1985)

Hey you guys! Join a group of lovable misfits on the treasure hunt of a lifetime in The Goonies. This quintessential 80s adventure, directed by Richard Donner and based on a story by Steven Spielberg, follows kids trying to save their homes from foreclosure by finding the lost pirate treasure of One-Eyed Willy. The film is packed with booby traps, underground caverns, and the memorable Fratelli family. An interesting tidbit: The pirate ship at the end was a full-sized, practical set piece that the actors saw for the first time while filming their reaction shots, making their awe genuine!

The Goonies

5. Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle (2017)

Welcome to a new level of adventure with Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle! This clever sequel reinvents the original concept by turning the magical board game into a video game that sucks four teenagers into its perilous world. They are transformed into the avatars they chose, played hilariously by Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart, Jack Black, and Karen Gillan. Each character's strengths and weaknesses are tied to video game mechanics, adding a unique twist to their jungle survival quest. It's a fun, modern take on getting lost in a game!

Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle

4. The Mummy (1999)

Get ready for swashbuckling action, ancient curses, and plenty of scarabs in The Mummy! This 1999 reboot starring Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz is a perfect blend of pulp adventure, horror, and comedy. It pays homage to the classic Universal monster movies while injecting its own fresh energy. Brendan Fraser famously performed many of his own stunts, adding to the film's dynamic physicality. Did you know the scene with the library shelves collapsing was done practically? It required precise timing and was achieved in just two takes, a testament to the crew's skill!

The Mummy

3. The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (2012)

Journey back to Middle-earth with The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, the first chapter in Peter Jackson's adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien's classic tale. Bilbo Baggins, a home-loving hobbit played wonderfully by Martin Freeman, finds himself swept into a grand quest with a company of dwarves led by Thorin Oakenshield (Richard Armitage). This film expands on the beloved book, bringing fan-favorite characters like Gandalf and Gollum back to the screen. A fun fact: Many of the dwarf actors had to wear extensive prosthetics and costumes, sometimes taking hours to get ready each day, truly committing to their roles for this epic journey!

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey

2. Avatar (2009)

Step into the breathtaking world of Pandora with James Cameron's Avatar. This film wasn't just a visual spectacle; it was a groundbreaking leap in filmmaking technology, particularly with its 3D and motion-capture techniques used to bring the Na'vi and their alien environment to life. Zoe Saldana and Sam Worthington lead the charge in this epic tale of discovery and conflict on a distant moon. Did you know Cameron developed the concept for Avatar in the 1990s but had to wait for technology to catch up to his vision? The result is an unparalleled immersive adventure.

Avatar

1. Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)

Get ready for the ultimate thrill ride! Steven Spielberg and George Lucas joined forces to create the gold standard of adventure films with Raiders of the Lost Ark. This movie single-handedly revitalized the adventure genre, giving us the iconic archaeologist Indiana Jones, portrayed with effortless charm and grit by Harrison Ford. Did you know that the sound effect for the boulder chasing Indy was created by mixing a car rolling down a gravel hill with a stereo mic and a sound man's jacket dragging? Pure cinematic magic born from practical effects and ingenuity!

Raiders of the Lost Ark

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