Lights, Camera, ADVENTURE!

Adventure movies have long been a cherished genre of mine. There’s just something about getting sucked into a daring tale of exploits and hijinks that never gets old. While there are many enjoyable movies that fall into the “adventure” category, the following films are among my favorite and top recommendations.

Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003)

This swashbuckling adventure series has been a favorite of mine for as long as I can remember. The plots alone makes Pirates of the Caribbean movies compelling adventure films, but that isn’t the only reason this series has made it near the top of my list. The music by Hans Zimmerman is composed of scores that make you feel as though you are crusading through the ocean. The immersive soundtrack combined with fast-paced fight sequences put you right in the middle of the action. The acting performances by Johnny Depp, Orlando Bloom, and Kiera Knightley create an unforgettable and highly amusing experience that I’m more than happy to watch again and again.

The Mummy (1999)

You can’t call yourself a true adventure movie enthusiast until you’ve seen The Mummy. It’s an old-fashioned expedition packed with gripping action scenes and funny one-liners. The plot follows explorer Rick O’Connell and his quest to aid Evelyn Carnahan and her brother, John, as they search for the ancient Egyptian City of the Dead. Chaos ensues when the trio accidentally raises a vengeful mummy from the dead. The visuals in The Mummy are captivating and the special effects are impressive for their time. Although The Mummy tends to be overlooked, this movie is sure to take you on a thrilling journey.

The Goonies (1985)

If you didn’t search your attic for a treasure map after watching this movie, you’re lying. The Goonies is an iconic 80s adventure flick about a plucky group of friends and their hunt for the lost gold of the fabled pirate, One-Eyed Willy. The kids, however, are not the only ones after the treasure, so they must conquer their fears and race to the gold before it is too late. No matter how many times I watch The Goonies, it always manages to make me laugh. The unique and relatable characters bring the movie to life and always remind me of the importance of friendship and the joy that can come from taking risks.

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013)

I watched The Secret Life of Walter Mitty for the first time a few months ago, and I must say, I was surprised by how much I enjoyed it. The movie follows Walter Mitty and his corporate job as a photograph developer for Life magazine. Walter often fantasizes about making bold choices, but when it comes down to it, he tends to play it safe. That all changes, however, when the photo he is entrusted with to use as Life’s last cover image goes missing. Walter must step out of his comfort zone (in several instances quite literally) to track down the crucial photograph. This movie is a story of external adventure as well as internal as Walter discovers that there is so much more to life than his boring nine to five routine. If you’re looking for a movie to push you out of your comfort zone, then make you check out The Secret Life of Walter Mitty.

Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)

In case I haven’t already made it abundantly clear, I’m a sucker for tried-and-true adventure movies, and Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark is THE adventure movie and arguably Harrison Ford’s greatest role. Being both a professor and archeologist, Indiana Jones is the perfect mix of bookish and intrepid. Indiana’s rugged charm and quick wits allows him to get out of tight situations as he embarks on a mission to recover the lost Ark of the Covenant before it falls into the Nazis’ hands. His journeys take him all over the world, from hazy jungles in Peru to icy mountains in Nepal and even to a scorching desert in Egypt. This movie has everything required of a great adventure film: a loveable hero, a legendary artifact, and plenty of action to keep you on the edge of your seat. There’s a reason the movie Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark is immortalized among the classics: it’s just that good.