Recently released blockbusters like Dune: Part Two underscore the enduring popularity of the adventure genre, which is one that intersects with numerous other categories. Fans of films that depict epic journeys and thrilling encounters will be happy to learn that it’s easier than ever to discover the best adventure movies, thanks to IMDb.

Users’ votes on the platform have determined the highest-rated adventure films, which are often award-winning classics that represent the best that the genre has to offer. The top 10 adventure movies on the platform rightly include several entries from the Star Wars and The Lord of the Rings franchise (as well as the Avengers movies), which are essential films from the genre.

20 'Coco' (2017)

IMDb Rating: 8.4/10

Miguel playing guitar
Image via Walt Disney Studios

There is a solid reason why many people consider Coco to be one of the best films that Pixar has ever produced. Fans have grown to anticipate exceptionally clear and stunning graphics from the studio, and the film delivers on those expectations. Also, the film tells an extraordinary tale about a little boy who has adventures in the Land of the Dead.

In the film, an unexplained ban on music is revealed to have been motivated by a tragic backstory, which will almost certainly move viewers to shed at least a few tears. Stunning and grandiose moments in the animated film are brilliantly accompanied by scenes that are more personal and moving – all of these work well and make up the engrossing and unforgettable trip of a lifetime for the film's lovable protagonist.

Coco
PG
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Release Date
October 27, 2017
Director
Adrian Molina , Lee Unkrich
Runtime
105 minutes

19 'Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse' (2018)

IMDb Rating: 8.4/10

Peter B. Parker and Miles Morales swinging through the forest in 'Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse'
Image via Sony

Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse is a critically acclaimed animated film that introduced the Marvel hero to the concept of the multiverse before it became mainstream. It follows the likable Miles Morales (Shameik Moore) as he attempts to juggle superhero responsibilities with schoolwork, a task that quickly gets more complex as he encounters other Spider-Man characters from all over the universe. Before it's too late, they have to work together to put a stop to the nefarious Kingpin and his "super collider."

The film's stunning visuals steal the show, overshadowing even its well-written characters in impact. It seems as if pages from a comic book have come to life in order to convey Miles' amazing experience thanks to the vivid colors and wild transitions that are used. It's an incredible animated movie that stands up remarkably well to more recent entries in the genre.

Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse
PG

Release Date
December 14, 2018
Director
Bob Persichetti , Peter Ramsey , Rodney Rothman
Runtime
117

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

IMDb Rating: 8.4/10

Harrison Ford in 'Indiana Jones and The Raiders of The Lost Ark'
Image via Lucasfilm Ltd.

In Raiders of the Lost Ark, the courageous archaeologist Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford) embarks on an incredible journey. Alongside his brave love interest Marion Ravenwood (Karen Allen), the characters find themselves entangled in a race against villains who are searching for the lost artifact for their own nefarious purposes. What comes next is a treacherous adventure that is full of twists and traps, both of which the protagonist needs to overcome.

The thrilling Indiana Jones movie is packed with unexpected turns that shed light on the individuals and their motivations for the actions they do. As the audience becomes increasingly attached to Jones and Marion, the story focuses less on the artifact itself and more on the adventurous journey that they go on.

Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark
PG
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Release Date
June 12, 1981
Director
Steven Spielberg
Cast
Harrison Ford , Karen Allen , Paul Freeman , John Rhys-Davies , Ronald Lacey , Denholm Elliott
Runtime
115 minutes

17 'Avengers: Infinity War' (2018)

IMDb Rating: 8.4/10

The Avengers running towards Thanos' Army in Wakanda in Avengers: Infinity War
Image via Marvel Studios

The stakes are higher than ever before in Avengers: Infinity War, where the group of familiar heroes faces off against a truly terrible antagonist, Thanos (Josh Brolin), an intergalactic Titan warlord who's on a quest to collect all six Infinity Stones. His goal? To destroy half of all life across the universe to "restore balance."

For MCU fans, Infinity War left a sinking feeling in their stomachs that would only be resolved by the even more iconic sequel. It showed the world that the Avengers could lose in a spectacular fashion, and gave audiences a legendary antagonist with a twisted goal that changes everything for the mighty heroes.

Avengers: Infinity War
PG-13
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16 'Avengers: Endgame' (2019)

IMDb Rating: 8.4/10

Robert Downey Jr. as Tony Stark about to snap his fingers in Avengers: Endgame
Image via Marvel Studios

Following the devastating deaths caused by Thanos’ snap in Avengers: Infinity War, the survivors are left to pick up the pieces in Endgame. The events of Phase Three come to a head in the box office hit, which sees the remaining Avengers banding together for one final attempt at reversing the chaos and destruction all over the universe.

The Russo brothers manage to depict a complicated story with numerous moving parts in a cohesive and exhilarating way in one of the best adventure movies from Hollywood. With wild portrayals of time travel, tear-jerking final goodbyes, and visually stunning epic battles on a scale never before seen in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Avengers: Endgame
PG-13
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Release Date
April 24, 2019
Runtime
180

15 'Aliens' (1986)

IMDb Rating: 8.4/10

Aliens - Ellen Ripley holding a weapon
Image via 20th Century Fox

In this terrific sequel to Alien, Sigourney Weaver reprises her now-iconic role as Ellen Ripley, who is finally rescued after spending decades asleep in cryo. She quickly becomes a member of a team that is sent to a settlement of colonists on a planet that may be inhabited by extraterrestrial beings, and she is disheartened to discover that everyone around her appears to be underestimating the monsters.

James Cameron's Aliens is able to successfully present audiences with a more extensive storyline since it has much improved special effects, expanded approaches for world-building, and even a more intimate look into Ellen's backstory. Widely regarded as one of the most iconic sci-fi movies, Aliens will keep audiences glued to their screens as Ellen survives one horrific encounter after another.

Aliens
R
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Release Date
July 18, 1986
Director
James Cameron
Cast
Sigourney Weaver , Michael Biehn , William Hope , Jenette Goldstein , Carrie Henn , Paul Reiser , Lance Henriksen , Bill Paxton
Runtime
137 minutes

14 'The Lion King' (1994)

IMDb Rating: 8.5/10

Mufasa looking proud in The Lion King.

The Lion King is an animated Disney classic that tells the story of Simba (voiced by Matthew Broderick), a cub and successor to King Mufasa (James Earl Jones) in the Circle of Life. When Simba’s scheming uncle Scar (Jeremy Irons) murders Mufasa and manipulates the lion cub that it’s his fault, however, he finds comfort far away from home among new carefree friends, Timon (Nathan Lane) and Pumbaa (Ernie Sabella). It takes a childhood friend, Nala (Moira Kelly), and a shaman, Rafiki (Robert Guillaume), to get Simba back on the right path.

Among the greatest movies to come out during the Disney Renaissance, the touching story of Simba’s adventure is an important part of numerous audiences’ childhoods. The well-written film is still worth revisiting today, as adults may find new perspectives on Simba’s journey.

The Lion King (1994)
G
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Release Date
June 24, 1994
Director
Rob Minkoff , Roger Allers
Cast
Matthew Broderick , Jeremy Irons , James Earl Jones
Runtime
88 minutes

13 'Back to the Future' (1985)

IMDb Rating: 8.5/10

Marty and Doc test out the Doctor's remote-controlled time machine/car hybrid in Back to the Future
Image via Universal Pictures

Back to the Future is a film that needs no introduction. The critically acclaimed classic directed by Robert Zemeckis follows the misadventures of Marty McFly (Michael J. Fox), who accidentally uses Doc Brown’s (Christopher Lloyd) modified DeLorean to travel back in time. He’s soon in a messy situation when he ruins the early stages of his parents’ relationship, which threatens Marty’s existence.

Campy, wacky, and surprisingly heartfelt, it’s not hard to see why Back to the Future is beloved by fans. Any disturbing challenges Marty encounters are never too troubling thanks to the comedic tone and light atmosphere throughout the film.

Back to the Future
PG
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Release Date
July 3, 1985
Director
Robert Zemeckis
Cast
Michael J. Fox , Christopher Lloyd , Lea Thompson , Crispin Glover , Thomas F. Wilson , Claudia Wells
Runtime
116

12 'Gladiator' (2000)

IMDb Rating: 8.5/10

russell crowe in gladiator prepared for battle in armor
Image via DreamWorks Distribution

Director Ridley Scott’s Gladiator is a historical drama centered on the Roman general, Maximus Decimus Meridius (Russell Crowe). Maximus is betrayed, and his family is murdered by the treacherous Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix), who wanted to claim Emperor Marcus Aurelius’ (Richard Harris) throne. Maximus is sent away and into slavery, but he soon becomes a gladiator and climbs the ranks to seek revenge.

Anyone who has seen the hard-hitting yet spectacular movie knows that Maximus’ adventure isn’t a happy one. He repeatedly risks his life to get right back to where he was and confront his family’s murderer. One of Ridley Scott's very best works, it's an inspiring and heartbreaking tale of a courageous soldier who never stops fighting.

Gladiator
R
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Release Date
May 5, 2000
Director
Ridley Scott
Cast
Russell Crowe , Joaquin Phoenix , Connie Nielsen , Oliver Reed , Richard Harris , Derek Jacobi
Runtime
155 minutes

11 'Spirited Away' (2001)

IMDb Rating: 8.6/10

Chihiro and No-Face sitting among spirits in a train in Spirited Away
Image via Toho

Director Hayao Miyazaki’s Spirited Away is centered on ten-year-old Chihiro Ogino’s (Rumi Hiiragi) tale as she ventures deeper into the world of the Kami to find a way to rescue her parents. She has to learn to muster up the courage to survive in Yubaba’s (Mari Natsuki) bathhouse, deal with creatures like No-Face, and rely on her inner strength to keep going.

Still considered Studio Ghibli’s most popular film, the animated masterpiece has gorgeous visuals, imaginative character design, and a touching narrative of independence and hope. Chihiro’s adventure is unlike any other and will take viewers along for an awe-inspiring ride through the spirit world.

Spirited Away
PG

Release Date
July 20, 2001
Director
Hayao Miyazaki
Cast
Rumi Hîragi , Miyu Irino , Mari Natsuki , Takashi Naitô , Yasuko Sawaguchi , Tatsuya Gashûin
Runtime
125 minutes

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10 'Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope' (1977)

IMDb Rating: 8.6/10

Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) looking to the distance in the desert planet of Tatooine in Star Wars: A New Hope.
Image via 20th Century Studios

The film that birth the iconic franchise that's still thriving today, A New Hope transported viewers to a galaxy far, far away. It introduced iconic characters like Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) and Han Solo (Harrison Ford), who join forces to rescue Princess Leia Organa (Carrie Fisher) from the villainous Darth Vader (David Prowse / James Earl Jones).

Depicting the struggle between the Rebel Alliance and the Galactic Empire, the legendary classic redefined the sci-fi genre, and provided an adventure of a lifetime for an entire generation (and perhaps, for generations to come). It has cemented its place in cinematic history as one of the greats, and will forever be part of annual viewing traditions for countless fans.

Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope
PG
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Release Date
May 25, 1977
Director
George Lucas
Runtime
121 minutes

9 'Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse' (2023)

IMDb Rating: 8.6/10

Miguel and the Spider Society chase Miles in Spider-Man: Across the Spiderverse
Image via Sony Pictures

After the stunning premiere of Into the Spider-Verse, critics and fans alike were understandably skeptical about the sequel's ability to surpass the original. Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse didn't just manage to surpass the original, it soared and exceeded all expectations, cementing itself as an instant classic in the animation, sci-fi, and adventure genres.

Miles Morales is back and reunites with Gwen Stacy (Hailee Steinfeld), who accidentally leads him to discover the Multiverse where numerous Spider-People exist. Why has this been hidden from him the entire time? The complex and surprisingly emotional story unfolds over wildly beautiful scenes showcasing a variety of art styles. It's like watching art come to life, with heart-pounding action, well-written characters, and a fascinating world as added an bonus.

Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse
PG
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Release Date
June 2, 2023
Director
Joaquim Dos Santos , Kemp Powers , Justin K. Thompson
Runtime
140 minutes

8 'Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back' (1980)

IMDb Rating: 8.7/10

Mark Hamill as Luke in The Empire Strikes Back
Image via 20th Century Fox

Set three years after the events of 1977’s Star Wars, director Irvin Kershner’s The Empire Strikes Back depicts the ongoing battle between the tyrannical Galactic Empire and the fearless Rebel Alliance. The beloved continuation of the Skywalker Saga also sees Luke (Mark Hamill) training with Master Yoda (Frank Oz), as part of his preparation to face the ruthless Sith lord, Darth Vader (David Prowse / James Earl Jones).

The blockbuster is considered the best from the original trilogy and gives audiences some much-needed answers about Luke’s past and potential future. It also brings back the heroic Princess Leia Organa (Carrie Fisher), and continues her arc alongside other fan favorites like Han Solo (Harrison Ford) and Chewbacca (Peter Mayhew).

Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back
PG
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Release Date
June 18, 1980
Director
Irvin Kershner
Cast
Mark Hamill , Harrison Ford , Carrie Fisher , Billy Dee Williams , Anthony Daniels , David Prowse , Kenny Baker , Peter Mayhew , Frank Oz
Runtime
124 minutes

7 'Interstellar' (2014)

IMDb Rating: 8.7/10

An astronaut team explores a frozen planet
Image via Warner Bros. 

Interstellar is a must-see sci-fi film that’s set in a world suffering from the effects of the climate crisis. With blight threatening humanity’s survival, ex-NASA pilot Cooper (Matthew McConaughey) agrees to lead a risky trip through a wormhole that could lead to the species’ last hope for a new home. He never imagines what kind of dangers and wonders are on the other side.

Directed by Christopher Nolan, the movie has won numerous accolades and is widely regarded as a scientifically accurate adventure that (mostly) conforms to established physical laws. This accuracy makes Cooper’s journey even more exciting, knowing that the wild things viewers see could be possible somewhere in the known universe.

Interstellar
PG-13
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Release Date
November 7, 2014
Runtime
169 minutes

6 'The Good, the Bad and the Ugly' (1966)

IMDb Rating: 8.8/10

Clint Eastwood standing in the desert in 'The Good, the Bad and the Ugly.'
Image via United Artists

Known as the ultimate spaghetti Western, director Sergio Leone’s The Good, the Bad and the Ugly follows the three titular characters and their relentless quest to find a buried cache of gold. Nothing will stop the men from locating and claiming their bounty, not even the chaos from the ongoing American Civil War.

The creative and sometimes campy adventure depicted in the film takes the three characters to some strange and violent places. The genre and director’s signature style is obvious through intense close-ups, long shots, and stylized gun fights, which build up throughout the movie all the way to its explosive conclusion.

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly
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Release Date
December 29, 1967
Director
Sergio Leone
Cast
Clint Eastwood , Eli Wallach , Lee Van Cleef , Aldo Giuffrè , Luigi Pistilli
Runtime
178 Minutes

5 'The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers' (2002)

IMDb Rating: 8.8/10

Aragorn (Viggo Mortensen) looking for the kidnapped hobbits in 'The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers' (2002)
Image via New Line Cinema

Based on J. R. R. Tolkien's renowned novels, director Peter Jackson's iconic Lord of the Rings trilogy depicts a fantastical sprawling world where magic, evil, and heroism combine, often from the most unexpected places. The second entry in the trilogy, The Two Towers, continues Frodo Baggins' dangerous journey to Mordor (Elijah Wood) alongside Samwise Gamgee (Sean Astin). On the other side, preparations for the Battle of Helm's Deep begin to sow doubt into Men's hearts, who have just been forced out of their homes.

It's impossible to call any of the three films in Jackson's trilogy bad, but The Two Towers is the weakest among them (at least based on IMDb scores). That said, it serves as a perfectly exhilarating bridge that continues the epic stories in exciting and tear-jerking ways.

The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers
PG-13
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Release Date
December 18, 2002
Director
Peter Jackson
Cast
Bruce Allpress , Sean Astin , John Bach , Sala Baker , Cate Blanchett , Orlando Bloom
Runtime
179 minutes

4 'Inception' (2010)

IMDb Rating: 8.8/10

Two men walking on walls in Inception.
Image via Warner Bros. Pictures

Nolan’s Inception is often cited alongside some of the best sci-fi movies of all time and is rightly among IMDb's top adventure films. It follows a group of professional thieves led by Dom Cobb (Leonardo DiCaprio), who is an “extractor.” They go on a never-before-seen mission into a victim’s subconscious, not to steal information, but to plant an idea. Along the way, Cobb fails to let his team know that something from his past could complicate their already challenging mission.

An unprecedented adventure into the layers of the mind, Inception became a box office hit lauded by fans and critics alike for its stunning visual effects and novel concept. Its exciting sequences are set in large (often moving) set pieces that add to the fantastical and exhilarating atmosphere of the film.

Inception
PG-13
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Release Date
July 15, 2010
Runtime
148

3 'Dune: Part Two' (2024)

IMDb Rating: 8.8/10

    Feyd-Rautha (Austin Butler) and Paul Atreides (Timothee Chalamet) face off with knives while a crowd watches on in 'Dune: Part Two'
Image via Warner Bros.

Following the successful premiere of 2021's Dune, it seemed to most that Frank Herbert's notoriously unadaptable novels have found their match. Director Denis Villeneuve proves this with the recently released Dune: Part Two, which continues Paul Atreides' (Timothée Chalamet) journey further into the unforgiving deserts of the planet Arrakis, where he takes advantage of a prophecy to motivate the local population to fight.

Dune: Part Two is bigger, bolder, and better in every way, expanding on the already intriguing lore laid out by the first movie. It also introduces new characters and elements with ease, with the film benefitting from Villeneuve's direction in telling its tricky yet compelling story – not to mention its impeccably cast supporting characters. Fans and critics alike are hoping he can stick the landing with the potential final installment in the film series.

Dune: Part Two
PG-13

Release Date
March 1, 2024
Director
Denis Villeneuve
Runtime
166 minutes

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2 'The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring' (2001)

IMDb Rating: 8.9/10

The fellowship in The Lord of the Rings The Fellowship of the Ring
Image via New Line Cinema

The widely beloved first movie in director Peter Jackson's legendary trilogy, The Fellowship of the Ring portrays the start of the perilous path the humble Hobbit Frodo Baggins (Wood) must take as the bearer of the One Ring. Alongside loyal friends, new allies, and a powerful wizard, the Fellowship is formed in Rivendell and pushes onward to face whatever may come their way.

The 2001 award-winning movie showcased the magical beauty of Middle-earth for the first time, building up anticipation for the sequels for years to come. Its far-reaching influence is still felt in the continuation of the saga today, though none can compare to the original trilogy that set a high standard for any future adaptation of Tolkien's work.

The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring
PG-13
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Release Date
December 19, 2001
Director
Peter Jackson
Cast
Elijah Wood , Ian McKellen , Orlando Bloom , Sean Bean , Alan Howard , Sean Astin , Andy Serkis , Viggo Mortensen
Runtime
178 minutes

1 'The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King' (2003)

IMDb Rating: 9.0/10

Elijah Wood in The Return of the King

Director Peter Jackson’s final entry in the legendary The Lord of the Rings trilogy, The Return of the King portrays the events in J. R. R. Tolkien’s eponymous 1955 novel. The renowned LotR film masterfully weaves the main storylines explored in the first two movies and delivers an epic conclusion that wraps up the trilogy in a satisfying way.

From the last leg of Frodo Baggins’ (Wood) journey to the heart of Mount Doom alongside Samwise Gamgee (Astin) and Gollum (Andy Serkis), to preparations for battles by well-loved characters like Gandalf (Ian McKellen), Aragorn (Viggo Mortensen), Legolas (Orlando Bloom), and Gimli (John Rhys-Davies), the film combines and completes the grand adventures and arcs that have enthralled and captivated audiences for years.

The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
PG-13
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Release Date
December 17, 2003
Director
Peter Jackson
Cast
Noel Appleby , Alexandra Astin , Sean Astin , David Aston , John Bach , Sean Bean
Runtime
201 minutes

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