Though films that fall into the adventure genre all vary greatly, they all have one thing in common: a journey. While sometimes this quest happens in an imaginative far-off land, other times it occurs across space, time, or even a person's subconscious. We're here to look at all these now by focusing on the greatest adventure films of all time. To do this, we'll be using the rating system on IMDb.
The movie and TV show website has given every adventure movie a star rating. This score, based on the votes of registered users on a scale of 1 to 10, is what we'll be using to count down to the greatest films in this genre out there. So long as a movie has 25,000 votes or more, it has a shot at the top. With the logistics covered, it's time to embark on a journey through the greatest adventure films of all time, as determined by the fans at IMDb.
Updated on July 26, 2020, by Richard Keller: Adventure films focus on four general categories: characterization, relationships, objectives, and location. When combined, they create fun and exciting stories. For further fantastic picks to satisfy your adventuring bug, here are five more of the best adventure films determined by IMDb.
Indiana Jones And The Temple Of Doom (1984): 7.6
The second movie in the franchise is not as loved as the first. Set in 1935, it puts Indy in India to retrieve a mystical stone. Along the way, he and his partners, singer Willie Scott and sidekick Short Round discover a cult that performs human sacrifices to gain power.
Out of the first three films, Temple of Doom is the darkest. Yet, it also has the most action. Save for a quiet, yet utterly gross dinner scene, the rest of the movie is packed with action and adventure.
Avatar (2009): 7.8
Now over a decade old, the James Cameron-directed film is still an achievement in special effects and pure imagination. The scenes on Pandora are so realistic it makes fans believe they're actually seeing real events on another planet.
Strip away the CGI, and Avatar is a classic adventure film. We root for paraplegic Jake Sully to embrace his avatar. We hiss when the protagonist, Colonel Quaritch, tries to bun Pandora to its core. Finally, we cheer when Jake wins the girl and his freedom.
Jaws (1975): 8
Horror-adventure made its name in 1975 with the release of Jaws. Directed by Steven Spielberg, the movie actually caused filmgoers to be afraid of the water. Still, it grossed $260 million in its initial run.
While the giant Great White Shark is the star of Jaws, it's the human actors that make the movie. Roy Scheider, Richard Dreyfuss, and Robert Shaw are an awkward trio at first. Nevertheless, they quickly gel as they attempt to kill the shark to keep beachgoers safe.
The Great Escape (1963): 8.2
Before the era of special effects and CGI, adventure came in natural environments. In The Great Escape, it was in and around a German POW camp during World War II. Though there were no grand battles, there was plenty of tension to go around.
The movie features an all-star cast that includes Steve McQueen, Richard Attenborough, James Garner, and Charles Bronson. It initially grossed $12 million during its first release and has become a popular film on numerous streaming services.
Indiana Jones And The Last Crusade (1989): 8.2
The last of the original Indiana Jones movies was a "thank you" to all of the film's fans. Not only did it return Dr. Jones to the late 1930s it also brought back popular cast members from Raiders of the Lost Ark. Plus, Sean Connery as Indy's father? It made perfect sense.
In Last Crusade, Indy needs to find his kidnapped father and the Holy Grail. As the Cup of Christ is alleged to make those who drink out of it immortal, the Nazis wanted it. Along the way, Indy falls for a woman who's actually a German agent and also reconnects with his father. Of course, that's between the traveling and the fighting.
Avengers: Endgame (2019): 8.5
Though every Avengers film blew up the box office, none was quite as critically and commercially successful as the final installment in the series. Avengers: Endgame has the heroes teaming back together in an attempt to reverse the destruction Thanos has let out over the world. Their plan: to reverse time and collect the Infinity Stones before he can. Playing with fate, however, doesn't come without its consequences.
Endgame became the highest-grossing film of all time soon after its release. Its blockbuster action, dazzling special effects, and emotion-driven journey made for one unforgettable conclusion.
Seven Samurai (1954): 8.6
The oldest film to show up on this list is 1954's Japanese drama Seven Samurai. Taking place in 1586 during the Sengoku period, a village of farmers enlist a group of samurai to defend their crops from the thieves who try to steal them.
Fans loved the interesting story and well-staged action sequences. It was a huge influence on the films that came after it, and not just in Japan, but internationally. The Magnificent Seven (1960) most closely replicates the story of the Seven Samurai.
Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope (1977): 8.6
A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away, Star Wars acquired a huge fan following that lives on today. None of this could have happened had the inaugural film, A New Hope, not been released. The 1977 sci-fi space opera has Luke Skywalker and Han Solo teaming up to pilot the Millennium Falcon. Their goal: to rescue Princess Leia and save the Galaxy, which is under the control of the evil Darth Vader and the Empire.
The creative world-building, visually impressive action, and engaging characters had fans wanting to see even more. Of course, that's exactly what they got.
Spirited Away (2001): 8.6
The highest-rated animated film on this list is none other than the 2001 Japanese fantasy, Spirited Away. Studio Ghibli’s iconic coming-of-age story tells of a 10-year-old girl whose parents mysteriously transform into pigs after they stumble into an old amusement park. With the help of a figure name Haku, she must figure out how to turn her parents human again and escape the spirit world in the process.
With beautiful hand-drawn animations, a dreamy soundtrack, and an unforgettable story, Spirited Away remains a stand-out.
Interstellar (2014): 8.6
This 2014 epic sci-fi film catches up with the Earth in the future, and it's deteriorating due to the dying crops and frequent dust storms. Hoping to save humanity from extinction, a NASA physicist plans on transporting the population to a new planet. Before this happens, however, a team of researches must journey through a wormhole to scout out a new place to call home.
Interstellar received praise in many areas including its direction, social themes, visual effects, acting, and musical score. Additionally, its big concept ideas impressed critics.
Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back (1980): 8.7
A few years after the original Star Wars premiered, The Empire Strikes Back was continuing the Skywalker Saga. In the direct sequel to A New Hope, Darth Vader and the Emperor scheme to take down Luke, Han, and Leia. In order to fight back, Luke learns the ways of the Force from Jedi Master Yoda.
Though critics of the time tended to prefer the original Star Wars, most contemporary fans claim this installment to be their favorite. With a thrilling narrative and even bigger special effects, this comes as no surprise.
The Lord Of The Rings: The Two Towers (2002): 8.7
The Lord of the Rings trilogy, based on the classic J. R. R. Tolkien books of the same name, performed well on the big screen. In the second of these films, The Two Towers, hobbits Frodo and Sam are joined by Gollum as they continue to journey toward Mordor where they hope to rid of the One Ring. Meanwhile, Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli face King Theoden, who is trapped under the spell of the evil Saruman. The epic fantasy's emotional, action-packed story left fans excited for the coming finale.
Lord Of The Rings: The Fellowship Of The Ring (2001): 8.8
Before we get to the last film in the series, we're throwing it back to the first: The Fellowship of the Ring. In the opening Lord of the Rings installment, Frodo, after inheriting the Ring, must begin his journey to Mordor. He does so alongside eight companions in hopes of reaching Mount Doom before Lord Sauron can. The movie's strong production value and fitting cast helped add new life to the iconic tale.
Inception (2010): 8.8
If you journey away from the fantasy genre and more toward the sci-fi side of things, you'll find this 2010 action film about a thief who steals people's secrets by sneaking into their subconscious. Though Dom is skilled at this, he is soon forced to try something new—planting an idea in someone's mind—o avoid punishment from his crimes.
With dazzling visuals, a crafty script, and rising tension, Inception made viewers' dreams come true. The strong cast elevated the narrative even more.
The Lord Of The Rings: The Return Of The King (2003): 8.9
The highest-rated adventure film of all time is none other than the final installment in the Lord of the Rings series. 2003's The Return of the King has Frodo and Sam finally reaching the location at which they plan to destroy the One Ring. Meanwhile, Gandalf, Aragorn, Legolas, and the others prepare for the final battle against Sauron in Minas Tirith.
The movie's genuine emotion and stunning visuals had it earning high praise. It won all eleven Academy Awards it was nominated for, including that of Best Picture.