Sometimes, you just feel like heading to a Galaxy far, far away or venturing through the City of the Dead in Egypt. Well, seen as that’s pretty difficult to do in real life, there’s always the option of enjoying an epic trip by watching an adventure movie.
With Hollywood’s enormous catalogue, choosing a worthy adventure film for your Saturday night can be a grueling task.
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Well, here at Tell Tales, we saw you coming from a mile away and we’ve already concocted the perfect list for your adventure cravings!
So, pack your backpack, grab your bows and arrows, and charge your batteries for the ultimate adventurous binge! Below, find 23 of the best adventure movies that will excite you…
1. The Avengers (2012)
IMDb: 8/10
If you’re looking for a good action movie, go back to the very beginning and relive the Avengers’ first mission. Captain America, Black Widow, Hulk, Iron Man, Hawkeye and Thor all accept to unite and save the world from Loki’s evil schemes. We don’t know about you, but we’ve got a hunch this little team might go on to do great things together.
2. National Treasure (2004)
IMDb: 6.9/10
In this fun blockbuster, a treasure hunter finds a map on the back of the Declaration of Independence and sets out to find the treasure it leads to before it gets into the wrong hands. Nicolas Cage is perfect in the role of treasure hunter, Benjamin Franklin Gates, and the slew of action scenes and impressive stunts will make you want to check out some other legal documents in case there might be a treasure map on it! (Heads up, that’s unlikely.)
3. King Kong (2005)
IMDb: 7.2/10
In this version, a director takes his crew to an uncharted island to film a movie, but the shoot takes a turn for the worse when a giant gorilla kidnaps the lead actress. Peter Jackson’s take on the classic story has visual effects to make you feel dizzy for days. While this movie was released over a decade ago, the monsters and overall production quality still hold up and make for an emotional, electrifying, action-packed adventure that will make you think twice about going to uncharted islands…
4. Black Panther (2018)
IMDb: 7.3/10
One of the best superhero movies to date, Black Panther takes the Marvel Universe to a whole new level, introducing you to the technologically advanced and meticulously hidden African country of Wakanda. T’Challa, aka Black Panther, is about to be crowned king after the death of his father, but must face a threat that will test his strength both as Black Panther and as regent. Amazing visual effects and breathtaking fight scenes make this stand-alone Marvel movie a gem you shouldn’t miss!
5. Wanted (2008)
IMDb: 6.7/10
In this ambitious thriller, James McAvoy plays an office worker recruited by a mysterious organization of assassins that obey to no less than… fate itself. It’s that serious, yes, but the movie is also fun, fast-paced and all around badass. Not only that, but it’s also quite clever. We bet it will surprise you even more than expected…
6. The Mummy (1999)
IMDb: 7/10
In this Egyptian adventure, an American soldier serving in the French legion in 1925 manages to free a mummy that unleashes chaos in its wake. One of the best adventure movies of the 1990s, everything in The Mummy is reminiscent of the Golden Age of Hollywood, with fantastic visuals that haven’t aged a day (alright maybe a little, but it’s still good), perfect chemistry between its lead actors, and breathtaking action scenes that would make the Avengers blush.
7. The Terminator (1984)
IMDb: 8/10
Arnold Schwarzenegger is a formidable cyborg assassin who is sent back in time to hunt down and kill Sarah Connor, the mother of John Connor, who will one day lead the Resistance against robotic Terminators. With time-travel elements and action scenes that take your breath away, The Terminator is certainly one of the greatest films to watch – if you haven’t already.
8. Incredibles 2 (2018)
IMDb: 7.6/10
We can’t believe it either, but it’s been over a decade since the first Incredibles was released, and its sequel is unsurprisingly just as great! In this movie, Helen Parr leaves the house chores and babysitting to her husband while she tries to save the world as Elastigirl. Adult or child, everyone can enjoy this beautifully animated and fun movie that will make you feel as though no time has passed since you last met the Parrs.
9. The Avengers: Infinity War (2018)
IMDb: 8.4/10
While we’re on the superhero train, we might as well stay on it! Avengers: Infinity War might only be the prologue to the epic showdown that is Endgame, but it is still a fairly thrilling movie in its own right, especially with its last battle sequence that marked the first major crossover of the saga! A great time for the whole family, with your heroes being as awesome and kickass as ever!
10. The Butterfly Effect (2004)
IMDb: 7.6/10
If you’re looking for something that keeps you on the edge of your seat, but also makes you think, The Butterfly Effect is the perfect choice! This movie tells the tale of Evan, a young man whose frequent blackouts allow him to travel back in time and change events of his life at leisure… though it inevitably affects his present, sometimes to a dire extent. This movie will make you wish time travel was real so that you can watch it all over again!
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11. Star Wars: The Last Jedi (2017)
IMDb: 7/10
In the penultimate instalment of the Star Wars timeline, Rey has reached Luke Skywalker’s hiding place and is intent on convincing him to fight with the Resistance against the First Order. An exciting movie that packs everything we love about the Star Wars universe, The Last Jedi does what few blockbusters would have dared by toppling expectations and providing an exhilarating, original follow-up to The Force Awakens.
12. Thor: Ragnarok (2017)
IMDb: 7.9/10
Another movie that broke the mold it originated from. Ragnarok offers a brand new take on Thor’s individual storyline that gives a breath of fresh hair to the god of thunder, while respecting its former movies. It’s also a wacky, exciting and hilarious family adventure in its own right that you’ll be glad to have partaken in.
See more of Chris Hemsworth’s greatest movie roles!
13. Stardust (2007)
IMDb: 7.6/10
This movie is far more lighthearted than most of the titles on this list, but it is nonetheless just as good. In this heartwarming, exciting fantasy adventure, a young man ventures into a hidden, magical world, to get a fallen star for his beloved… only the star has taken the shape of a young woman whose destiny rapidly becomes his own. Between swashbuckling and witchcraft, you’ll find yourself totally immersed on this magical ride that you’ll never want to get off!
14. Indiana Jones and the Raiders of The Lost Ark (1981)
IMDb: 8.4/10
Tuck into the cool and classic adventure of cinema’s favorite archeologist, Indiana Jones! Raiders of The Lost Ark sees Indiana set out to find a powerful relic before Nazis get their hands on it. Offering no shortage of thrills to satisfy the adventure seeker in you, you might as well get comfortable because the entire saga is worthy of a binge-watch! It’s one of the best of all time!
15. Back To The Future (1985)
IMDb: 8.5/10
An iconic sci-fi gem from Hollywood genius, Steven Spielberg. A 1980s teenage boy is sent back to the 1950s by his aloof scientist friend, which is all fun and games until his own mother (who has no idea who he is, of course) becomes infatuated with him. A problem that is not only unbearably awkward, but also extremely dangerous, since it might prevent him from being born at all. Yet another exciting classic you’ll want to re-watch or perhaps show your kids for the first time!
16. How To Train Your Dragon (2010)
IMDb: 8.1/10
Let’s be honest, the dragon-obsessed child in us will never die. This epic and enchanting animated movie about a young Viking befriending a winged creature is the perfect weekend watch whether you have kids or not. How to Train Your Dragon is a top adventure film for when you’re not up for anything too serious, and simply want to smile at the screen.
17. Inception (2010)
IMDb: 8.8/10
A mind-blowing thriller that will have you guessing until the very end. A thief who can enter other people’s dreams is tasked to plant an entire idea into a man’s head, a mission that could cost him everything if it comes to fail. Those who like rubiks cubes will probably want to stream this twice in one sitting and arm themselves with some pen and paper – it’s a brain teaser!
18. Pokémon: Detective Pikachu (2019)
IMDb: 6.6/10
When you first heard that Ryan Reynolds would be lending his voice to the iconic Pikachu, like us, you probably freaked out a little. And understandably so, as it’s difficult to imagine a compelling Pikachu… with Deadpool’s voice. Even so, this new, incredibly original take on the Pokémon lore just works! Taking place in a world filled with the adorable and sometimes frightening creatures we know and love, a witty and weary Pikachu teams up with a young man to find out what happened to his father.
19. Mission Impossible – Fallout (2018)
IMDb: 7.7/10
The sixth opus in the acclaimed movie series, Fallout is the highest rated of the bunch which takes Ethan Hunt on yet another mission to save the world by finding stolen plutonium cores. When the mission goes haywire, Ethan and his team need to hurry up and find these dangerous weapons before everything goes boom. Even after 24 years, Tom Cruise can still kick ass and yes, he still does his own stunts. Don’t ask us if the man is unbreakable, that’s confidential.
20. The Mask of Zorro (1998)
IMDb: 6.7/10
This take on the famous Wild West vigilante follows the great tradition of 1990s period blockbusters, with just enough melodrama, action and costumes to keep you hooked. It will also steal your hearts thanks to the earnest performances of Antonio Banderas, Catherine Zeta-Jones and Anthony Hopkins! Press play right now and enjoy the unique energy and fun swordplay this cool adventure movie has to offer!
21. Solo: A Star Wars Movie (2018)
IMDb: 6.9/10
It may not have been as necessary as its creators thought it was, but Han Solo’s origin story is still an entertaining movie regardless, and it offers just enough fun and good acting for you to be stuck to the couch until the very end. With little nods to the other movies of the Star Wars universe, it is also a must-watch for any fan of the franchise!
22. Top Gun (1986)
IMDb: 6.9/10
This epic adventure movie needs no introduction, but for the sake of the uninformed, here goes. Top Gun is a favorite among movie-goers thanks to its endless action sequences and delightful romantic backstory. Tom Cruise is Maverick, a fighter pilot who joins The Top Gun Naval Fighter Weapons School and competes to be the best pilot all the while trying to nab the woman of his dreams.
23. Sonic The Hedgehog (2020)
IMDb: 6.5/10
After his incredible speed accidentally draws the attention of an evil genius, Mr. Robotnik, Sonic the Hedgehog must try his best to stop the latter from taking over the world with his power. This movie sparked quite the controversy in 2019 when the people behind its visual effects had to change Sonic’s entire appearance last minute, and it kind of paid off. The iconic character is faithful to its video game likeness and Jim Carrey’s hilariously over the top take on the famous video game villain is truly the cherry on top.
Although it is never easy finding the perfect fit for your boring evenings at home, this list will probably make things much easier.
That being said, there are probably many more amazing adventure movies out there that didn’t make this list, so feel free to share some awesome titles in the comments!
There are sections of this article that were written by Angela Stephanou.
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