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. The Wizard of Oz
“The Wizard of Oz” is a legendary adventure film that my grandmother always loved dearly. Several years ago, I formed a strong bond with a grandmother that was a fan of a musical taking place somewhere over the rainbow. I recall with nostalgia memories of a grandma that appreciated the fantasy genre. Through love of the legendary fantasy film, my grandmother inspired me to make my dreams of film criticism come true. As someone treasuring fond memories of a grandmother that loved taking trips to the land of Oz, I adored “The Wizard of Oz”. Ever since its release in 1939, Victor Fleming’s movie has stood the test of time as the greatest adventure film ever made. With the greatest film of his career, Fleming did an extraordinary job of adapting a legendary book about wizards that evoke fear. Fleming is one of those filmmakers that always had an aptitude for creating fantasy films, and “The Wizard of Oz” showcased his strengths as a director. For instance, the iconic scene in which Dorothy is transported from tornado-struck Kansas to the colourful land of Oz causing a dilemma is one of the greatest moments of the fantasy genre. At the centre of it all is an amazing role by Judy Garland, who created one of the most iconic characters in the fantasy genre. Ultimately, what makes “The Wizard of Oz” my favourite adventure film of all-time is its appeal. Unlike most fantasy films, it tackle themes everyone would relate to. Nearly 90 years after the release of a fantasy film about women escaping a tornado to go somewhere over the rainbow, it’s a marvellous reminder of a bold genre that produces movies about adventures giving dreams to follow.
2. 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. 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 absolutely today.
3. 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. 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 extremely precious.
4. Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark
Indiana Jones is a legendary adventure hero that has built a lasting legacy. Created in the 1980’s, Jones is an iconic hero that has appeared in memorable movies. Personally speaking, the hero had a huge impact on my life. I grew up watching Indiana Jones movies during childhood with my grandpa. He would often speak fondly of an inspiring hero that shaped his identity. The hero with with a whip has since become a strong symbol of my bond with a grandfather I worship. I adore all the movies made about the iconic hero with a bright spark, but my favourite film in the franchise remains “Raiders of the Lost Ark”. Released in 1981, Steven Spielberg’s movie introduced the iconic hero with the whip on the big-screen for the first time. A timeless adventure classic, it celebrated the legacy of a character that has stood the test of time as iconic. At the centre of it all is a phenomenal performance by Harrison Ford who truly created a powerful character in pop culture. As precious as the ark of the covenant, it has become a timeless reminder of my bond with a grandfather that has reached an age of retirement who gave me a lifelong love for modern-day entertainment.
5. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2
Harry Potter is a magical series that I’ve always loved dearly. As far as I remember, I’ve grown to treasure J.R. Rowling’s literature. The story of the misunderstood boy who lived has always been part of my childhood. I’m a huge fan of the Harry Potter books and adore all the films that have adapted the source material. However, the final film in the fantasy franchise “The Deathly Hallows: Part 2” stands out the most. Ever since its release in 2011, David Yates’ movie has stood the test of time as a magical fantasy masterpiece. Yates is one of those directors that has always had an eye for staging action sequences in his movies, and his strengths are evident in “The Deathly Hallows: Part 2”. For instance, the scene in which Harry witnesses Snape’s heartbreaking memories revealing his true identity remains one of the greatest moments of the fantasy genre. Ultimately, what makes “The Deathly Hallows: Part 2” a fantasy masterpiece is its universal appeal. Viewers aren’t required to be fans of the famous books to appreciate it. It delivers a profound message about the important roles that teachers play guiding adolescents which would resonate with everyone. A fantastic farewell towards heroic wizards casting a magical spell, it’s a fabulous reminder of a genre that has always had unforgettable stories about fantastical adventures to commonly tell.
6. The Princess Bride
When it comes to the greatest books ever written about princesses with pride, it’s worth discussing The Princess Bride. Ever since it was published in 1973, William Goldman’s book has become legendary literature readers have cherished. In 1987, Rob Reiner adapted the beloved book leaving audiences satisfied in his movie “The Princess Bride”. With the most fantastical film of his career, Reiner captured princesses facing fear. Reiner proved there was place for humour in the genre with one of the funniest fantasy films ever made. At the centre of it all is a powerful performance from Robin Wright, who emerged as an actress deserving spotlight. A beautiful adaptation of a beloved book about princesses with dreams to become a bride, it’s a breathtaking reminder about a genre that has always left audiences tremendously satisfied.
7. The 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 award-worthy movies.
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 commonly adore.
9. The Hunger Games
The Hunger Games is great literature that tackles themes of adventure. Since its publication in 2008, Suzanne Collins’ book has become a classic readers appreciate. Poverty has always been a central theme in the legendary book. In 2012, Gary Ross honoured the book about games in his movie “The Hunger Games”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “The Hunger Games” stand out is its feminist point-of-view. Ross uses captivating montages capturing an impoverished girl facing games that are frightening. Assisted by Jennifer Lawrence who is amazing in the lead role, Ross created a captivating adaptation of a celebrated book about adventure. As strong as bows used by Katniss Everdeen, it’s a spectacular reminder of a commemorated genre making unforgettable movies about adventures which demand to be seen on the big-screen.
10. Avatar: The Way of Water
Few movies ever made about underwater adventure are as beloved as “Avatar: The Way of Water”. Since its release in 2021, James Cameron’s movie has become a classic. Cameron used captivating motion-capture effects capturing seas that are frightening. Assisted by Kate Winslet who is fantastic in the lead role, Cameron created a groundbreaking sea blockbuster. However, the film’s spectacle leaves little room for storytelling. Cameron’s focus on special effects affects the storytelling. We’re barely given reasons to care for avatars. Nevertheless, it’s still a strong addition to the genre. As strong as Jake Sully’s desire to protect the ocean, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured unforgettable movies about adventures with heartfelt emotion which I will forever treasure for inspiring my lifelong filmmaking passion.
The Film Buff 