The 10 Most Thrilling Adventure Movies, Ranked

Adventure movies continue to dominate the cinematic landscape, as seen with the success of recent releases like Deadpool & Wolverine and Twisters. A fascinating adventure movie hinges on a journey or quest, whether it is saving the world, looking for valuable treasure, or rescuing a loved one.

Apart from taking audiences on unforgettable journeys, adventure movies are also filled with thrilling moments and scenes, such as deciphering ancient riddles to unlock hidden tombs, navigating uncharted waters on a makeshift raft, or encountering dangerous creatures in a forgotten jungle. From Raiders of the Lost Ark, which launched a successful adventure film franchise, to The Goonies, which instantly became a classic, there are plenty of adventure films where viewers can find genuine thrills and excitement.

10 ‘Flight of the Navigator’ (1986)

Directed by Randal Kleiser

In Flight of the Navigator, 12-year-old David Freeman (Joey Cramer) goes on a scary journey into the woods in search of his younger brother, Jeff (Albie Whitaker). However, a sudden accident knocks him unconscious and he finds himself in 1986. Eight years have inexplicably passed, but David hasn’t aged. However, his mind has been filled with various scientific information that NASA finds valuable. David goes on an adventure to go back to his timeline, all with the help of an AI-powered spaceship named Max (Paul Reubens).

Beyond that, the movie also offers thrills with its scenes featuring the spaceship flying through the sky and David’s escape from NASA’s clutches. With its dazzling visuals and awe-inspiring narrative, The Flight of the Navigator is a thrilling adventure movie that sparked a generation’s interest in space and science.

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9 ‘Avatar’ (2009)

Directed by James Cameron

Avatar takes viewers to the lush planet of Pandora, where Jake Sully (Sam Worthington), a paraplegic Marine, joins the Avatar Program, which allows humans to inhabit the genetically engineered Na’vi bodies. As Jake immerses himself in the Na’vi culture under the guidance of the formidable Neytiri (Zoe Saldana), he is torn between his loyalty to humanity’s mission and his growing bond with Pandora’s natural world and its people.

Avatar become a cultural phenomenon due in large to its never-before-seen 3D effects and CGI innovation, which all include the almost perfect rendering of the Na’Vi, as well as the breathtaking visuals of Pandora. It’s a thrilling adventure film because it has cultivated an atmosphere inside the movie theatre that allows audiences to fully immerse themselves in its world. And even for viewers who decide to watch it in the comfort of their own homes, the movie’s expansive world-building and powerful message will surely resonate with them.

8 ‘Mad Max: Fury Road’ (2015)

Directed by George Miller

Released 30 years after the last entry in the franchise, the high-octane Mad Max: Fury Road breathes new life into George Miller’s beloved series. Max Rockatansky (Tom Hardy) joins forces with Imperator Furiosa (Charlize Theron) in a daring escape, helping the five wives of the tyrannical Immortan Joe (Hugh Keays-Byrne) seek a new life. Joe, however, unleashes his fury, leading his army on a harrowing pursuit through the barren wasteland.

Mad Max: Fury Road triumphantly resuscitates the beloved franchise thanks to its incredible visuals and thrilling action scenes. It has plenty of meticulously choreographed chase scenes and perplexing practical effects that create an adrenaline-pumping experience for viewers. And while Hardy delivers a captivating performance as the titular character, Theron’s Furiosa is just as equally impressive, proving she’s a formidable action star in her own right.

7 ‘The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring’ (2001)

Directed by Peter Jackson

The boundless world of J. R. R. Tolkien’s beloved novels was brought to life in The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, the first entry in the epic film series. It follows a young hobbit named Frodo Baggins (Elijah Wood) who finds himself the unlikely custodian of the One Ring, an artifact of immense power coveted by the Dark Lord Sauron (Sala Baker). Because of that, Frodo has to go on a difficult quest to destroy the ring in the fires of Mount Doom.

The Fellowship of the Ring is more than just a fantasy epic as it’s filled with thrilling scenes and borderline-horror elements. Apart from its impressive visuals, the movie’s pacing also manufactures a sense of constant danger, as Frodo and his companions are pursued relentlessly by Sauron’s forces. With its endearing characters and engrossing fantasy plot, The Fellowship of the Ring is an adventure film that everyone needs to watch at least once.

6 ‘The Goonies’ (1985)

Directed by Richard Donner

The Goonies sees a group of misfit kids find their lives turned upside down when they discover an ancient treasure map in an attic. The map leads them on a dangerous quest to find the long-lost fortune of One-Eyed Willy, a legendary pirate. Along the way, they must outsmart the Fratelli family, a gang of criminals who are also after the treasure, and overcome treacherous obstacles.

More than just an adventure film, The Goonies also carries a message about friendship and courage — as well as plenty of thrills. From their urgent mission to find the treasure as well as their antics to escape The Fratellis, the movie has plenty of action for viewers of every age. The Goonies is considered an almost-perfect film thanks to its exhilarating and heartwarming scenes.

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5 ‘King Kong’ (2005)

Directed by Peter Jackson

Set in the 1930s, King Kong takes a look at filmmaker Carl Denham (Jack Black) and his journey toward the uncharted Skull Island, a place shrouded in mystery. However, Denham’s expedition takes a turn when the crew encounters Kong, a gigantic gorilla who becomes captivated by the beautiful actress Ann Darrow (Naomi Watts). But as Kong is captured and brought to New York City, his untamed nature and affection for Ann lead to tragic events.

The second Hollywood remake of the classic film still manages to keep audiences on the edge of their seats thanks to Peter Jackson’s masterful direction. From the treacherous jungles of Skull Island to the lively streets of New York City, King Kong is filled with moments of thrilling suspense. There are also battle scenes involving Kong and prehistoric creatures, which will have viewers rooting for the giant ape. It also helps that the movie has created an unforgettable immersive experience, with it winning three Academy Awards involving sound and visual effects.

4 ‘Jurassic Park’ (1993)

Directed by Steven Spielberg

When people think of the best dinosaur films, they automatically think of a classic: Jurassic Park. In the movie, a rich businessman builds Jurassic Park, a theme park inhabited by cloned dinosaurs. But the park’s delicate balance between science and nature is shattered when a power failure unleashes the prehistoric predators. Paleontologists Alan Grant (Sam Neill) and Ellie Sattler (Laura Dern) must now evade the jaws of killer dinosaurs and get off the island safely.

The film shows an enthralling blend of science fiction with heart-pounding action. What makes it a thrilling watch is its innovative special effects that brought to life the dinosaurs with astonishing realism. From the iconic T. rex chase to the suspenseful encounter with the velociraptors in the kitchen, Jurassic Park has plenty of unforgettably chilling moments that have become ingrained in both viewers’ minds and popular culture.

3 ‘The Abyss’ (1989)

Directed by James Cameron

For those who harbor a fear of the deep sea, The Abyss brings those anxieties to the surface. The movie sees a U.S. nuclear submarine get plunged into the depths of the ocean. A team of deep-sea drillers, led by the experienced Bud Brigman (Ed Harris), is then called upon for a perilous rescue mission. However, the crew is in for a wild ride as the dark waters conceal not only the sunken vessel but also an extraordinary secret.

The adventure film takes viewers on a journey into the depths of the ocean, where the dangers are ever-present. It features plenty of suspense and thrills, as the crew faces not only the physical challenges of their environment but also the psychological strain of isolation and the fear of the unknown. With its breathtaking underwater sequences and encounters with benevolent aliens, The Abyss offers a thrilling adventure that will leave viewers mesmerized.

2 ‘Back to the Future’ (1985)

Directed by Robert Zemeckis

Back to the Future sees teenager Marty McFly (Michael J. Fox) go on an accidental trip back in time. Stranded in the year 1955, Marty has to make sure that his teenage parents successfully fall in love, or he risks fading from existence. Navigating the social landscape of a bygone era, Marty must avoid altering the past while orchestrating his parents’ meeting — all while trying to repair the DeLorean and return to his own time.

The classic film is beloved for a variety of reasons, but aside from being an incredible time-travel film filled with awe-inspiring visuals, it also manages to add plenty of thrills to its wholesome plot. Robert Zemeckis solidifies his status as an auteur with Back to the Future, with its captivating blend of humor, adventure, and science fiction. It’s essential for every viewer to watch the complete trilogy to see the ingenious ways Zemeckis expands upon the original film’s concepts, introducing new paradoxes, and memorable characters.

1 ‘Raiders of the Lost Ark’ (1981)

Directed by Steven Spielberg

The legend of India Jones starts in the film Raiders of the Lost Ark. The movie puts the spotlight on an ancient artifact named The Ark of the Covenant, which becomes an object of desire after the Nazis seek to harness its power. A daring archaeologist named Indiana Jones, played by the dashing Harrison Ford, must then find the Ark before it falls into the hands of the Nazis.

Full of non-stop adventure and pulse-pounding moments, Raiders of the Lost Ark is the ultimate adventure film. From the iconic boulder chase in the opening sequence to the intense truck chase through the desert, the movie has action sequences that are etched in the minds of viewers. The film’s action sequences are expertly choreographed, blending practical effects with Steven Spielberg‘s cinematic genius that makes every viewing of it timeless and entertaining.

NEXT: The 10 Best Adventure Movies of the Last 5 Years, Ranked