In an era dominated by superhero sagas and cosmic conflicts, the charm of classic, down-to-earth Adventure Films For The Family sometimes feels overlooked. Yet, these cinematic journeys, filled with wonder, excitement, and heartwarming stories, hold a special place in our hearts. Let’s embark on a thrilling expedition through some of the best family-friendly adventure films of all time, bridging the gap between treasured classics and modern masterpieces.
1. The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938): The Quintessential Swashbuckler
Is this the ultimate swashbuckling adventure? Quite possibly the greatest adventure movie ever made? Errol Flynn embodies the legendary Robin Hood with unparalleled charisma, alongside Olivia De Havilland as Maid Marion, Claude Rains as the villainous King John, and Basil Rathbone as the menacing Sir Guy of Gisbourne. Boasting vibrant Technicolor and Flynn’s irresistible charm, the film culminates in a sword fight so iconic it remained unsurpassed until The Princess Bride decades later. While Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl (2003) revived the swashbuckler genre, The Adventures of Robin Hood remains the undisputed king of thrilling, family-friendly action and adventure.
2. The Wizard of Oz (1939): A Magical Journey to Remember
Another strong contender for the title of greatest adventure film, and undeniably a top family movie, The Wizard of Oz is pure cinematic perfection. Judy Garland is unforgettable as Dorothy, and the iconic shift from monochrome to Technicolor is pure movie magic. This timeless classic continues to enchant audiences of all ages with its wonder and heartwarming story of friendship and courage. It’s a flawless piece of family entertainment that still feels as fresh and captivating as the day Dorothy dreamed of a world “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.”
3. The African Queen (1951): River Adventure and Banter
If the plot of Jungle Cruise feels familiar, it’s likely due to its inspiration from this Hollywood gem. The premise of two individuals navigating a river might seem simple, but the dynamic between Humphrey Bogart’s roguish steamboat captain and Katharine Hepburn’s prim missionary elevates John Huston’s World War I adventure into something truly special. The African Queen is the quintessential buddy movie, predating the term itself, showcasing stunning visuals and Huston’s masterful direction of action. Much like the playful sparring between Emily Blunt and Dwayne Johnson in Jungle Cruise, it’s the witty banter and contrasting personalities of Hepburn and Bogart that make this film an enduring family adventure classic.
4. The 5,000 Fingers of Dr. T (1953): A Surreal Dr. Seuss Dreamscape
No list of perfect family adventure films would be complete without a touch of Dr. Seuss’s whimsical imagination. And The 5,000 Fingers of Dr. T might be his most wonderfully bizarre creation. Employing a dream-world framing device similar to The Wizard of Oz, the story follows young Bart Collins, who despises piano lessons. In his dream, he’s transported to a fantastical realm ruled by a tyrannical piano teacher who has kidnapped 500 boys and forces them to play a colossal piano threatening global harmony. Produced during the Cold War era, the film subtly reflects anxieties about communism, making it a strangely captivating, albeit slightly madcap, adventure for families who appreciate the unusual.
5. The Red Balloon (1956): Parisian Poetic Adventure
Moving from the outlandish to the sublime, Albert Lamorisse’s Oscar-winning short film, The Red Balloon, offers a poetic adventure in just 35 minutes. Set in Paris, it beautifully portrays the bond between a young boy and a seemingly sentient red balloon that follows him on his everyday adventures through the city. This heartwarming film has been celebrated and referenced by filmmakers worldwide, including Hou Hsiao-Hsien’s The Flight of the Red Balloon (2007). It also pairs perfectly with Iranian director Jafar Panahi’s The White Balloon (1995), offering a touching glimpse into the streets of Tehran, making for a thoughtful family movie double feature.
6. Swiss Family Robinson (1960): Classic Disney Island Survival
This is the quintessential Disney adventure movie from a golden age of family-friendly productions. Starring John Mills, Swiss Family Robinson tells the timeless tale of a family shipwrecked on a deserted tropical island. Forced to build a life from scratch, they face thrilling challenges, from battling the elements and wildlife to outsmarting pirates seeking to hide their treasure on the island. This enduring classic embodies the spirit of family adventure, resourcefulness, and overcoming adversity together, perfect for a cozy family movie night.
7. The Traveler (1974): An Everyday Iranian Adventure
Iranian filmmaker Abbas Kiarostami’s debut feature, The Traveler, presents a charming and relatable adventure grounded in everyday life. It follows a football-obsessed young boy who schemes to raise enough money to travel to Tehran and see his favorite team play. Qassem’s determination and resourcefulness in achieving his goal are truly inspiring. Filmed in Kiarostami’s signature understated style, The Traveler beautifully transforms a simple journey into an extraordinary adventure, proving that adventure can be found in the ordinary. No magic, fantasy, or explosions needed – just a boy with a dream.
8. Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope (1977): A Galaxy Far, Far Away Beckons
Later Star Wars installments might boast bigger budgets and more advanced effects, and The Empire Strikes Back is often considered the stronger film, but A New Hope, the original chapter, retains an unmatched sense of innocent wonder. George Lucas’s homage to 1930s matinée serials captured the imaginations of audiences worldwide. While the dialogue might be endearingly cheesy, it only adds to the film’s nostalgic charm. And John Williams’ iconic score is simply unforgettable. Star Wars: A New Hope launched a cinematic phenomenon and continues to be a thrilling family adventure across the stars.
9. Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981): Indiana Jones and the Adventure Template
Another cinematic tribute to the adventure serials of yesteryear, Steven Spielberg solidified his mastery of family entertainment with this incredible B-movie-inspired adventure. Harrison Ford became an instant icon as Indiana Jones, the charming archaeologist and adventurer battling Nazis in pursuit of the Ark of the Covenant. The action sequences are flawlessly executed, and the witty dialogue keeps the pace lightning-fast. Raiders of the Lost Ark knows it’s playful hokum, but it invites the audience to laugh along while delivering non-stop thrills, making it timeless family entertainment. Spielberg would surpass even this masterpiece the following year with E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial.
10. The NeverEnding Story (1984): Fantasy and Imagination Unleashed
Among the early 1980s films that showcased the burgeoning visual effects industry, Wolfgang Petersen’s The NeverEnding Story, a loose adaptation of Michael Ende’s novel, stands out for its heartwarming fantasy. At the time the most expensive non-Hollywood production, it successfully created a captivating fantasy world. The film also featured a hugely popular theme song, sung by Limahl, and experienced a resurgence in popularity thanks to its prominent inclusion in the 80s-nostalgia adventure series Stranger Things. The NeverEnding Story is a testament to the power of imagination and a beloved family fantasy adventure.
11. The Goonies (1985): A Rowdy Treasure Hunt with Heart
If Rob Reiner’s Stand by Me (1986) is the more mature coming-of-age adventure, The Goonies is its fun-loving, boisterous younger sibling. Directed by Richard Donner, but bearing the unmistakable fingerprints of producer Steven Spielberg, who conceived the story, The Goonies is a non-stop thrill ride. Written by Chris Columbus (who would later direct the first two Harry Potter films), it explores Spielbergian themes of absent fathers and childhood friendships. While Stand by Me dealt with realistic threats, The Goonies embraces pantomime-style villains and over-the-top action. It’s hard to imagine Stranger Things existing without the groundwork laid by The Goonies, a quintessential 80s family adventure classic.
12. The Princess Bride (1987): Fantasy, Humor, and Swordplay Perfection
“Hello. My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die.” These iconic lines still bring a smile to anyone who loves Rob Reiner’s flawless adaptation of William Goldman’s witty fantasy novel. Goldman himself adapted his book for the screen, and Reiner’s comedic timing and direction are impeccable. The cast is perfect, from Robin Wright and Cary Elwes in the lead roles to hilarious cameos by Billy Crystal, Mel Smith, and Peter Cook. And the sword fight between Elwes and Mandy Patinkin is arguably the finest fencing scene ever captured on film. The Princess Bride is a perfect blend of adventure, humor, and romance, making it a family favorite for generations.
13. The Witches (1990): Darkly Funny Dahl Adaptation
The collaboration of novelist Roald Dahl and director Nicolas Roeg proved to be a match made in cinematic heaven with The Witches. This darkly comedic tale centers on a coven of witches plotting to rid the world of children, gathering at a quaint British coastal hotel. Roeg wisely avoided sanitizing Dahl’s wickedly funny and slightly macabre story for children. Younger viewers might find some scenes genuinely scary, particularly Angelica Huston’s terrifying portrayal of Miss Ernst, the Grand High Witch. Alongside Danny DeVito’s lighter Matilda (1996), The Witches stands as one of the best live-action adaptations of Dahl’s imaginative and often unsettling works, offering a thrillingly spooky family adventure.
14. Jurassic Park (1993): Dinosaurs Roam Again
Spielberg strikes again! (And we could easily include his underrated fantasy Hook from 1991). While James Cameron pushed visual effects boundaries with Terminator 2: Judgement Day (1991), Spielberg infused them with a sense of wonder in Jurassic Park. One of the greatest “What if…?” movies ever made, this adaptation of Michael Crichton’s bestselling novel works brilliantly thanks to David Koepp’s tight script. Every character, no matter how minor, has a meaningful role, raising the stakes when danger strikes. Sam Neill and Jeff Goldblum are fantastic as clashing scientists, with Laura Dern providing a voice of reason. And the velociraptors became instant cinematic villains. Jurassic Park redefined the blockbuster and remains a thrilling family adventure spectacle.
15. Jumanji (1995): When Board Games Come to Life
Joe Johnston’s Jumanji plays out like a fantastical, otherworldly Jurassic Park (and he would later direct Jurassic Park III in 2001). Based on Chris Van Allsburg’s 1981 book, the film explores what happens when two siblings discover a board game whose virtual world becomes terrifyingly real. The film’s secret weapon is Robin Williams, whose character has been trapped within the game for 40 years. While undeniably silly, Jumanji is incredibly entertaining thanks to Williams, co-stars Bonnie Hunt, Kirsten Dunst, Bradley Pierce, David Alan Grier, and Jonathan Hyde as the deliciously villainous game hunter. It’s a fun-filled family adventure that has become a beloved classic.
16. Fly Away Home (1996): A Heartwarming Flight of Geese
Fly Away Home tells the touching true story of a young girl who moves in with her eccentric father after a tragic car accident. Initially withdrawn, she finds purpose when she discovers orphaned Canadian geese goslings. Determined to protect them, she embarks on a mission to fly them to a North Carolina bird sanctuary threatened with demolition. Based on a true story, Fly Away Home marked Anna Paquin’s first major role after her Oscar win for The Piano (1993). She is perfect as the resilient Amy, and Jeff Daniels is excellent as her supportive father. Directed by Carroll Ballard, known for the acclaimed children’s film The Black Stallion (1979), Fly Away Home is a heartwarming and inspiring family adventure.
17. Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring (2001): Epic Fantasy Begins
While The Two Towers (2002) and The Return of the King (2003) expand to an even grander scale, The Fellowship of the Ring, the first installment in Peter Jackson’s monumental adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien’s fantasy masterpiece, is a masterclass in adventure filmmaking. The film’s opening six-minute introduction to Middle-earth is breathtaking. Jackson masterfully makes the audience deeply invested in each character, ensuring that the film’s climactic battle is both thrilling and emotionally resonant. While perhaps not for very young children due to its intensity, The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring is an epic family adventure for older kids and teens.
18. National Treasure (2004): Modern-Day Treasure Hunt Fun
Pure, unadulterated hokum, but incredibly entertaining hokum! National Treasure is like a younger audience’s Da Vinci Code, but far more fun. This modern-day Indiana Jones-esque adventure is undeniably silly, but Nicolas Cage’s enthusiastic lead performance makes it a thrilling ride. He plays a man obsessed with a family legend about a vast hidden treasure concealed by the Founding Fathers. Initially backed by Sean Bean’s wealthy financier, he soon realizes he’s been double-crossed, leading to a race against time to uncover the treasure. National Treasure is a lighthearted, action-packed family adventure perfect for a fun movie night.
19. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004): Magic Gets Darker and Better
Alfonso Cuarón took the directorial reins for the third Harry Potter film, adapting J.K. Rowling’s magical world with a darker and more visually distinctive style, creating arguably the best film in the series. The now older cast are more comfortable in their roles, and Cuarón’s signature style elevates the proceedings. The addition of Gary Oldman as Sirius Black further enriches the already stellar cast. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban is a captivating and visually stunning family adventure that balances magic with a touch of darkness.
20. The Spiderwick Chronicles (2008): Faerie Tale in the Modern World
Following his successes in Finding Neverland (2004) and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005), Freddy Highmore perfectly embodied twin siblings in The Spiderwick Chronicles, an adaptation of Tony DiTerlizzi and Holly Black’s book series. He plays Jared and Simon Grace, who move with their sister and recently divorced mother into a dilapidated mansion in the woods. Discovering a magical book, Jared inadvertently unleashes both benevolent and malevolent faerie magic into their world. The siblings must then team up with the book’s author’s daughter, now elderly, to restore balance. The Spiderwick Chronicles is a charming and imaginative family fantasy adventure blending modern life with ancient magic.
21. Ready Player One (2018): Virtual Reality Adventure for a New Generation
After the intermittently enjoyable The Adventures of Tintin: The Secret of the Unicorn (2011) and The BFG (2016), Steven Spielberg’s directorial magic returned in full force with Ready Player One, a wildly entertaining adaptation of Ernest Cline’s YA sci-fi adventure novel. Set in a near-future dystopian world where most people escape into a virtual reality world called the OASIS, the film follows a young man’s quest to find a hidden Easter egg that grants control of the OASIS. However, a corporation seeking to commercialize the virtual world is also in pursuit. Spielberg skillfully balances the thrills of the digital realm with real-world stakes, building to a hugely entertaining, pop-culture-infused climax. Ready Player One is a fast-paced, visually stunning family adventure for the digital age.
Indiana Jones and The Dial of Destiny is coming soon to cinemas, promising another thrilling adventure for families to enjoy.
