When it comes to cinematic adventure, the modern landscape often feels dominated by superhero spectacles and cosmic threats. However, the charm of classic, down-to-earth adventures, the kind that once captivated audiences and topped box offices, still holds immense appeal. To celebrate the enduring magic of this genre and bridge the gap between cinematic eras, we’re diving into a curated list of the best family action adventure films of all time. These movies are guaranteed to deliver thrills, excitement, and a powerful sense of wonder for viewers of all ages.
Image: Emily Blunt and Dwayne Johnson navigate a treacherous river in Disney’s Jungle Cruise, a modern family adventure movie.
1. The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938)
Could this be the ultimate swashbuckling adventure? Or even simply the greatest adventure movie ever made? Errol Flynn embodies the iconic hero Robin Hood, alongside Olivia De Havilland as Maid Marian, Claude Rains as the villainous King John, and Basil Rathbone as the menacing Sir Guy of Gisbourne. The film’s vibrant Technicolor visuals are stunning, Flynn’s portrayal of Robin Hood is the epitome of roguish charm, and the climactic sword fight remains a benchmark for action cinema, arguably unsurpassed until The Princess Bride decades later. While Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl (2003) may have revived interest in swashbuckler films – albeit with diminishing returns in subsequent sequels – The Adventures of Robin Hood continues to reign supreme as the gold standard of the genre.
2. The Wizard of Oz (1939)
Another strong contender for the title of greatest adventure movie of all time, and undeniably a top family film. The Wizard of Oz is a flawless piece of entertainment. Judy Garland delivers a perfect performance as Dorothy, the iconic transition from monochrome to Technicolor is genuinely magical, and the entire film retains its freshness and charm, transporting audiences to a world “somewhere over the rainbow.”
3. The African Queen (1951)
If the plot of Jungle Cruise sounds vaguely familiar, it’s because its premise draws heavily from this Hollywood classic. The simple setup of two individuals journeying down a river transforms into a captivating adventure, fueled by the dynamic, often bickering relationship between Humphrey Bogart’s boozy steamboat captain and Katharine Hepburn’s prim missionary. John Huston’s World War One-era adventure is the quintessential buddy movie, predating the term itself. Visually stunning and boasting masterful action direction by Huston, The African Queen, much like the playful dynamic between Emily Blunt and Dwayne Johnson in Jungle Cruise, is made unforgettable by the witty banter and chemistry between Hepburn and Bogart.
4. The 5,000 Fingers of Dr. T (1953)
No list of perfect family adventure films would be complete without at least one Dr. Seuss-inspired tale. The 5,000 Fingers of Dr. T is perhaps his most bizarre and imaginative creation. Employing a similar dream-like framing device as The Wizard of Oz, the story centers on young Bart Collins, who loathes his piano lessons. In his dream state, Bart envisions a surreal world ruled by a tyrannical piano teacher, Dr. T, who has kidnapped 500 boys – Bart included – and forces them to play a gigantic piano (hence, 5,000 fingers), whose music threatens global domination. Produced during the height of the Cold War, the film, like many sci-fi movies of that era, subtly allegorizes the perceived threat of Communism to the United States. Unquestionably bonkers, yet utterly compelling in its strangeness.
5. The Red Balloon (1956)
Moving from the outlandish to the sublime, Albert Lamorisse’s Oscar-winning short film, The Red Balloon, tells the simple yet profound story of a young boy in Paris who befriends a seemingly sentient red balloon. The balloon follows him throughout his day, leading to a whimsical urban adventure. This film was later honored by Taiwanese director Hou Hsiao-Hsien in his 2007 drama The Flight of the Red Balloon. It also pairs perfectly with Iranian director Jafar Panahi’s 1995 debut The White Balloon, written by Abbas Kiarostami, which offers a beautiful, realistic portrayal of Tehran.
6. Swiss Family Robinson (1960)
This is a quintessential Disney adventure movie from a golden era of the studio’s output. John Mills stars as the patriarch of the Robinson family, shipwrecked on a deserted tropical island. They must learn to survive, facing natural disasters, encounters with wildlife, and outsmarting pirates who have chosen their island to hide their stolen treasure. Swiss Family Robinson exemplifies classic family adventure, blending survival skills with thrilling escapades.
7. The Traveler (1974)
Iranian filmmaker Abbas Kiarostami’s directorial debut, The Traveler, offers a poignant and realistic adventure. It centers on a young, football-obsessed boy who schemes and works to earn enough money to travel to Tehran and see his favorite team play. Qassem’s determination and resourcefulness in achieving his goal are truly admirable, and the film’s moral message is subtly and effectively delivered. Characterized by Kiarostami’s understated and observational style, The Traveler is a masterclass in transforming the ordinary into an extraordinary adventure. No fantastical elements, just a boy’s unwavering commitment to his dream.
8. Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope (1977)
While later Star Wars installments may boast bigger budgets and more advanced special effects – and The Empire Strikes Back is arguably a superior film – the original A New Hope retains a unique charm and innocent sense of wonder. The dialogue might be somewhat clunky, but this only adds to its nostalgic appeal. And it’s impossible to overstate the impact of John Williams’ iconic and brilliant musical score. Star Wars: A New Hope launched a cinematic universe and remains a cornerstone of Family Adventure Movies.
9. Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)
Another film deeply inspired by the matinée serials of the past, Steven Spielberg cemented his position as a master of family entertainment with this thrilling B-movie homage. Harrison Ford became an icon as Indiana Jones, the charismatic archaeologist and adventurer battling Nazis. The action sequences are expertly choreographed, but it’s the witty, fast-paced dialogue that truly propels the film forward. Raiders of the Lost Ark embraces its inherent silliness while delivering non-stop thrills, making it a timeless adventure classic. Spielberg would even surpass this achievement the following year with E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial.
10. The NeverEnding Story (1984)
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 heart and imagination. At the time, it was the most expensive non-Hollywood production, and it successfully created a captivating fantasy world. It also featured a memorable theme song, performed by Limahl, formerly of Kajagoogoo, whose distinctive hairstyle was arguably more outlandish than any of the film’s special effects. The song experienced a resurgence in popularity thanks to its inclusion in the 80s-inspired adventure series Stranger Things.
11. The Goonies (1985)
If Rob Reiner’s Stand by Me (1986) represents a more mature coming-of-age adventure, The Goonies is its more rambunctious, comedic counterpart. Directed by Richard Donner, but with Steven Spielberg’s influence evident throughout (he conceived the story, with a screenplay by Chris Columbus), The Goonies explores Spielbergian themes, particularly absent fathers. While Stand by Me presented real-world, subtle threats, The Goonies embraces a more exaggerated, almost cartoonish danger. Stranger Things owes a clear debt to the adventurous spirit and youthful camaraderie of The Goonies.
12. The Princess Bride (1987)
“Hello. My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die.” These iconic lines, instantly recognizable to fans of Rob Reiner’s flawless adaptation of William Goldman’s fantasy novel, are just one example of its enduring charm. Goldman himself adapted his book for the screen, and Reiner’s comedic timing and direction perfectly capture the novel’s wit and heart. The cast is exceptional, from Robin Wright and Cary Elwes in the lead roles to unforgettable cameos by Billy Crystal, Mel Smith, and Peter Cook. And the sword fight between Elwes and Mandy Patinkin is widely considered one of the greatest ever filmed. The Princess Bride is a beloved family adventure movie for good reason.
13. The Witches (1990)
The collaboration between novelist Roald Dahl and director Nicolas Roeg resulted in The Witches, a darkly humorous tale of witches plotting to eliminate children. Roeg, in his first foray into children’s films, wisely chose to retain the dark, wicked tone of Dahl’s story, avoiding any attempts to sanitize it for younger audiences. Angelica Huston’s portrayal of Miss Ernst, the Grand High Witch, is genuinely chilling. Along with Danny DeVito’s more lighthearted Matilda (1996), The Witches stands as one of the finest live-action adaptations of Dahl’s work.
14. Jurassic Park (1993)
Spielberg strikes again. (His 1991 fantasy Hook, though underrated, could also be included). While James Cameron pushed visual effects boundaries with Terminator 2: Judgement Day (1991), Spielberg infused them with a sense of awe and wonder in Jurassic Park. One of the most compelling “What if…?” scenarios ever filmed, this adaptation of Michael Crichton’s novel is anchored by David Koepp’s tight, intelligent script. Each character, regardless of screen time, is well-developed, raising the stakes when danger strikes. Sam Neill and Jeff Goldblum are fantastic as contrasting personalities, with Laura Dern providing grounded rationality. And the velociraptors became instant cinematic icons.
15. Jumanji (1995)
Joe Johnston’s Jumanji plays out like a suburban Jurassic Park. (Johnston would later direct Jurassic Park III in 2001). Based on Chris Van Allsburg’s 1981 children’s book, the film explores the chaos unleashed when two siblings discover a board game whose fantastical world becomes terrifyingly real. The film’s secret weapon is Robin Williams, whose character has been trapped within the game for decades. Silly and over-the-top, Jumanji, thanks to Williams and a strong supporting cast including Bonnie Hunt, Kirsten Dunst, and Jonathan Hyde, is hugely entertaining and a family favorite.
16. Fly Away Home (1996)
After a tragic car accident, a young girl moves in with her unconventional father. Initially withdrawn, she finds purpose when she discovers abandoned Canadian goose eggs. Inspired to protect them, she embarks on a mission to lead the geese to a bird sanctuary in North Carolina, which is facing 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 delivers a poignant performance as Amy, and Jeff Daniels is excellent as her supportive father. Directed by Carroll Ballard, known for the beloved 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)
While The Two Towers (2002) and The Return of the King (2003) achieve a more epic scale, The Fellowship of the Ring, the first installment of Peter Jackson’s monumental Lord of the Rings trilogy, is a masterclass in adventure filmmaking. The film’s breathtaking six-minute prologue sets the stage for the entire saga. (To see how introductions can go wrong, consider the rushed two-minute opening of David Lynch’s Dune from 1984). Jackson excels at making audiences deeply invested in each character, making the film’s climactic battle both thrilling and emotionally resonant. While perhaps not for very young children, Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring is a landmark achievement in family adventure cinema.
18. National Treasure (2004)
Pure, unadulterated fun. National Treasure is like a kid-friendly Da Vinci Code – but significantly more entertaining. This modern-day Indiana Jones-esque adventure is admittedly silly, but Nicholas Cage’s enthusiastic lead performance makes it a wildly enjoyable ride. He plays Ben Gates, a historian convinced of a generations-old conspiracy by the Founding Fathers to conceal a vast treasure. Initially funded by Sean Bean’s wealthy character, Gates finds himself double-crossed and must race against time to uncover the truth. National Treasure is a perfect example of a high-spirited, escapist family adventure movie.
Image: Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt in a promotional image for Disney’s Jungle Cruise, a modern family-friendly adventure.
19. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004)
Alfonso Cuarón took the directorial helm for the third Harry Potter film, Prisoner of Azkaban, and delivered what many consider the best entry in the series. The now-older cast is more comfortable in their roles, and Cuarón introduces a darker, more visually distinctive style that elevates the film. The addition of Gary Oldman as Sirius Black further enhances the already stellar cast. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban balances magic, mystery, and a touch of darkness, making it a standout family adventure.
20. The Spiderwick Chronicles (2008)
Following his success in Finding Neverland (2004) and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2004), Freddy Highmore found an ideal dual role as twin brothers in The Spiderwick Chronicles, based on Tony DiTerlizzi and Holly Black’s book series. He plays Jared and Simon Grace, who move with their sister and mother to a dilapidated mansion in the woods after their parents’ divorce. Discovering a magical book, Jared inadvertently releases both benevolent and malevolent magic into their world. The siblings must then team up with the book’s author and his now-elderly daughter to restore balance. The Spiderwick Chronicles is a charming and imaginative family fantasy adventure.
21. Ready Player One (2018)
After the moderately successful The Adventures of Tintin: The Secret of the Unicorn (2011) and The BFG (2016), Steven Spielberg rediscovered his family adventure movie magic with Ready Player One, a wildly entertaining adaptation of Ernest Cline’s YA sci-fi 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 excitement of the virtual world with the dangers of the real one, culminating in a thrilling, pop-culture-infused climax.
Indiana Jones and The Dial of Destiny is coming soon to cinemas.
