My Favourite Adventure Films of All-Time

Not many genres attract audiences to the theatre like adventure. Since the 1980’s, the genre has produced memorable movies. Whether it’s whip-smart archaeologists, ring bearers or magical teachers, the adventure genre has produced several characters. Given the number of films in the genre, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my picks for the best adventure movies that deserve to be celebrated.

1. Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark

Indiana Jones is an incredible character that shaped my father’s identity. Several years ago, I formed bonds with a father that adored the whip-smart hero. I remember forming strong relationships with a father that appreciated the iconic hero with a whip. I remember spending time with a father that regarded Jones to be a national treasure. Through his admiration for Indiana Jones, my father inspired me to pursue passion for Cinema. My father’s love for the whip-smart hero with a spark began when he watched “Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark”. Ever since its release in 1981, Steven Spielberg’s movie has stood the test of time as the greatest adventure film ever made. Spielberg is one of those directors that has always had an aptitude for making exciting adventure movies, and “Raiders of the Lost Ark” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. Spielberg staged awe-inspiring action that introduced audiences to the hero with a whip. For instance, the iconic scene in which Indiana Jones is chased by a dangerous boulder causing trauma is one of the greatest moments of the adventure genre. At the centre of it all is an excellent performance by Harrison Ford, who created a legendary adventure hero that audiences have adored. Ultimately, what makes “Raiders of the Lost Ark” my favourite adventure film of all-time is its appeal. The film delivers a profound message about dreams which would resonate with everyone. Nearly 30 years following the release of a classic film about a whip-smart hero searching for a precious ark, it’s a breathtaking reminder about a great genre that hasn’t lost its spark leaving a lasting mark.

2. The Wizard of Oz

The Wizard of Oz is a legendary film that shaped my mother’s identity. Years ago, I formed bonds with a mother that loved a musical taking place somewhere over the rainbow. She would love wizards that shaped her identity. As someone treasuring a mother that loved Oz, I adored “The Wizard of Oz”. Ever since its release in 1939, Victor Fleming’s movie remains one of the greatest adventure films ever made. Fleming had an aptitude for creating adventures, and his strengths are clearly evident in “The Wizard of Oz”. For instance, the iconic scene in which Dorothy escapes tornado struck Kansas city to enter the land of Oz remains one of the best moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an amazing performance by Judy Garland, who created one of the most iconic heroines in the genre. Ultimately, what makes “The Wizard of Oz” a masterpiece is its message. Unlike most movies made in the 1930’s, it has aged beautifully with themes that remain relevant today. The film delivers a profound message about identity which would resonate with everyone. As strong as Dorothy’s desire to go somewhere over the rainbow, it’s a breathtaking reminder about a commemorated genre producing movies giving audiences dreams to follow.

3. Star Wars: A New Hope

Star Wars is a spectacular science-fiction franchise that my teacher always loved dearly. I remember forming strong bonds with a teacher that loved a series about galaxies facing disaster. Star Wars was a franchise my English teacher came to cherish. He spoke fondly about a franchise set a long time ago in a galaxy far far away that shaped his life in a huge way. My teacher’s lifelong love for a franchise giving him hope when he saw “Star Wars: A New Hope”. Released in 1977, George Lucas’ movie about wars in starry galaxies forever changed the adventure genre. Lucas is one of those filmmakers that has always excelled at world-building, and his strengths are clearly evident in “Star Wars: A New Hope”. For instance, the iconic Cantina scene in which Han Solo is introduced remains one of the greatest moments of the adventure genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Harrison Ford, who created an iconic hero audiences have adored. Ultimately, what makes “Star Wars: A New Hope” an adventure classic is its message. The film delivers an inspirational message about the importance of discovering one’s identity which would resonate with everyone. As powerful as Luke’s desires to explore a galaxy far far away, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has made timeless movies which deserve to be celebrated today.

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

The Lord of the Rings is a fantastic fantasy series that shaped my grandfather’s identity. At an early age, I remember a grandfather that loved a series about rings causing danger. Drawn to rings that were dangerous, he loved a series that held a place in his heart which was precious. As someone treasuring a grandfather that loved a franchise about precious rings, I adored “The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring”. Released in 2001, Peter Jackson’s movie did an extraordinary job of adapting J.R.R. Tolkien’s beloved fantasy book series. Jackson has always excelled at creating fantastical worlds through breathtaking visuals, and “The Fellowship of the Ring” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. For instance, the scene in which Gandalf exclaims you shall not pass to a dangerous dragon causing trauma is one of the greatest moments of the adventure genre. At the centre of it all is a towering performance by Ian McKellen, who embodied an iconic literary character. Ultimately, what makes “The Fellowship of the Ring” Jackson’s best movie is its message. The film delivers a profound message about the importance of teamwork which would resonate with everyone. 70 years after the publication of a fantasy book about hobbits carrying a ring that’s dangerous, it’s a fantastic reminder of a genre that audiences consider precious.

5. Inception

Dreams are complex psychological states that fascinated my aunt. At an early age, I bonded with a aunt that was fascinated with dreams causing damage. She would love sharing her dreams with my family which she remembered clearly. Few science-fiction films I’ve ever seen have captured the complex emotion associated with dreams as powerfully as “Inception”. Released in 2010, Christopher Nolan’s movie forever changed the adventure genre through its depiction of dreams. Nolan is one of those filmmakers that has always had an aptitude for making movies about exciting adventures, and “Inception” showcased his strengths as a director. For instance, the final kick scene in which Cobb and his team infiltrate the dreams of Robert Fischer causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the adventure genre. Ultimately, what makes “Inception” a sci-fi classic is its message. The film delivers a profound message about dreams which would resonate with everyone. As strong as Cobb’s desire to make his dreams come true, it’s a bold reminder of a genre that has produced unforgettable movies audiences value.

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

Pirates of the Caribbean is a powerful franchise that earned my brother’s appreciation. Several years ago, I formed bonds with a brother admiring Jack Sparrow. My brother’s love for pirates travelling the Caribbean seas began when he watched “Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl”. Released in 2003, Gore Verbinski’s movie depicted pirates travelling across Caribbean seas. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “The Curse of the Black Pearl” stand out is its sharp humour. Verbinski uses humour to capture reckless pirates facing danger. Assisted by Johnny Depp who is extraordinary in the lead role, Verbinski created a powerful pirates adventure. A breathtaking beginning of a franchise about pirates travelling Caribbean seas, it’s an inspiring reminder of a genre that has produced unforgettable movies.

7. Life of Pi

When it comes to the most beloved books ever written about tigers that terrify, it’s worth discussing Life of Pi. Since its publication in 2001, Yann Martel’s book has become a classic readers have cherished. In 2012, Ang Lee celebrated the classic book about seas that terrify in his movie “Life of Pi”. Unlike most movies in the adventure genre, what makes “Life of Pi” stand out is its use of silence. Ang Lee beautifully uses scenes of silence to capture an Indian boy’s survival experience. Through silence, Lee captured the strong bond between a teenager and tiger bonding in seas. Assisted by Suraj Sharma who is exceptional in the lead role, Lee honoured a classic book about surviving trauma. As strong as Pi’s desire for survival, it’s a remarkable reminder of a genre that has produced memorable movies which audiences consider to be special.

8. Jurassic Park

Dinosaurs are terrifying creatures which have scared me. Ever since I was a child, I’ve often had a fear of dinosaurs. As far as I remember, I’ve feared dinosaurs. My lifelong fear of dark dinosaurs with a spark began when I first watched “Jurassic Park”. Released in 1993, Steven Spielberg’s groundbreaking movie depicted dangerous dinosaurs on adventures facing tragedy. With the most technically accomplished film of his career, Spielberg used groundbreaking special effects to create frightening dinosaurs evoking fear. Spielberg has always excelled at using practical effects in his movies, and his technical strengths were evident in “Jurassic Park”. As powerful as dinosaurs’ roar, it remains a breathtaking reminder about the enduring appeal of a commemorated genre that has produced unforgettable movies which audiences adore.

9. Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone

Harry Potter is a magical series that shaped my identity. I grew up to treasure J.K. Rowling’s literature which shaped my childhood. I immediately fell in love with a magical series that gave me a lifelong love of reading. In 2001, Chris Columbus did an exceptional job adapting the well-known book in his movie “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes the first Harry Potter film stand out is its strong depiction of children. Columbus captured the magical appeal of a book about children embarking on magical adventures. Assisted by Daniel Radcliffe who is perfectly cast in the lead role, Columbus honoured literature about magical adventures. As strong as Harry’s desire to become a wizard, it’s a spellbinding reminder of a genre that has produced commemorated movies audiences have treasured.

10. Gladiator

Few films ever made about ancient Roman gladiators are as beloved as “Gladiator”. Ever since its release in 2000, Ridley Scott’s movie has become as an adventure classic. Ridley Scott changed the genre by capturing the Roman era. Scott has always creating eras with attention to detail, and “Gladiator” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. Assisted by Russell Crowe who is exceptional in the lead role, Scott honoured gladiators that fought centuries ago. Although the legacy of the movie has been tarnished by its historical inaccuracy, it showcased the appeal of the genre. As strong as Maximus’ desire to fight in the Colosseum, it’s a grand reminder of a genre that has achieved stardom producing unforgettable movies offering escapism which I will forever treasure for inspiring me to achieve dreams of film criticism.