10 Most Thrilling Family Adventure Movies, Ranked

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Jack Sparrow and Will Turner looking in the same direction while asea on The Black Pearl.

Lisa Nordin is an actress, writer, and fan of all things performing arts. Her favorite genres are Sci-Fi and Fantasy. She is a self-published author and enjoys exploring how fictional stories help define and qualify the human experience.

The call to adventure is a powerful one and has equal allure in both fact and fiction. Undiscovered lands waiting to be explored, hidden treasures just beyond reach, or entirely new realms that inspire the imagination, adventure movies can be inspiring, dramatic, and undeniably thrilling. A great adventure film usually follows the plot of the main character(s) in a hum-drum or undesirable life situation who are suddenly launched onto a strange, exciting journey past everything comforting and familiar. After many unusual and exhilarating encounters, the protagonist(s) emerge as changed for the better by having endured their extraordinary quest.

When adventure movies are geared toward kids and family, it becomes an immersive event that audiences of all ages can actively engage with. Filled with strong lead characters, awe-inspiring worlds, and shocking plot twists, family adventure movies deliver on all fronts. Pulses race, palms sweat, and audible gasps erupt. Here are 10 of the most thrilling family adventure movies that will have you on the edge of your seat.

11 'Jungle Cruise' (2021)

Jack Whitehall, Emily Blunt, and Dwayne Johnson with their hands tied behind their backs in Jungle Cruise.

On paper, it doesn’t sound like it's the best idea to base a movie on an amusement park ride, but Disney has managed to pull it off more than once. Though it is not always a recipe for guaranteed success, the features generated from this origin agency have found a solid fanbase of devotees. From over-the-top villains to stirring action scenes, movies like The Haunted Mansion are thoroughly enjoyable. They bring a commendable focus to their singularly directed entertainment value and connect with viewers who both have and haven't experienced the roller coasters.

One of the most recent films added to this unique oeuvre is Jungle Cruise. Emily Blunt stars as Lily Houghton, a determined and headstrong adventurer who will stop at nothing to find a flower that is said to be a miracle cure for all illnesses. When Lily and her well-meaning but accident-prone brother MacGregor (Jack Whitehall) hire river cruise skipper Frank (Dwayne Johnson) to lead them on an expedition to recover the mystical flower, adventure follows close behind. Jungle Cruise builds on the excitement from the wildlife-rich ride and creates a dimensional story that has more than one surprise up its sleeve.

The sets, costumes, and makeup in Jungle Cruise are realized very well and add to the immersive storytelling. Veronica Falcón, who played the first female version of the iconic Trader Sam in the film, talked to Collider about the superior costumes and makeup done by Paco Delgado and Joel Harlow, saying, “They really are so good at what they do. They know that an actor needs to make the design together. It’s not just the actor. It’s a whole bunch of people working, so that the character can be seen the way it is, and we all are very respectful of one another.” Complete with mysterious curses, haunted conquistadores, and terrific chemistry with all the cast, Jungle Cruise is both a journey and a destination for adventure.

10 'Escape to Witch Mountain' (1975)

Ike Eisenmann as Tony and Kim Richards as Tia look out a window with trepidation in Escape to Witch Mountain.

From the opening sequence, where two small silhouettes are running for their lives with howling hounds and tense music, Escape to Witch Mountain takes no prisoners and tells the story it was meant to. The 1971 film, starring Ike Eisenmann and Kim Richards as siblings Tony and Tia, falls somewhere between a family-friendly adventure and a suspenseful horror. The story revolves around a brother-sister duo who have telepathic powers and a cryptic past. After an obsessive millionaire attempts to exploit their powers for personal gain, they escape and enlist the help of a stranger to travel to Witch Mountain, where they hope to find answers about their heritage and identity. Before she was a dynamic and volatile personality on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, Richards gave a dedicated and dramatic performance as Tia in Escape to Witch Mountain.

Escape to Witch Mountain got a 21st-century trailer update before its debut on Disney+, allowing new audiences to be drawn in by the gripping story. It has an unsettling and eerie tone reminiscent of The Shining that never wants viewers to get too comfortable while watching the film. As the unusual history of the two children begins to emerge, even more questions arise as the plot takes several unexpected turns. If you like your adventure with a side of spooky, Escape to Witch Mountain is the perfect choice.

9 'Treasure Planet' (2002)

Jim Hawkins and John Silver look over the bow of a ship as it flies through the stars in Treasure Planet.

A sci-fi twist on an adventure classic, Treasure Planet reinvisions Robert Louis Stevenson’s novel Treasure Island into a space-themed coming-of-age tale about treasure and treachery. Treasure Planet was ahead of its time, and audiences didn’t quite take to it upon its initial release. Luckily, this animated steampunk fantasy has found cult status on streaming and is getting the appreciation it deserves.

Treasure Planet tells the tale of young Jim Hawkins (Joseph Gordon-Levitt), who comes into possession of a treasure map. When Jim sets sail with a less-than-trustworthy crew, mutiny, betrayal, and revenge are all par for the course in this high-flying action film. Although Treasure Planet features beautiful graphics and visually pleasing animation, it is the strong character development that anchors it down. Jim is portrayed as a flawed, hurting, and vulnerable hero who must learn life lessons the hard way. He isn’t so much brave as he is rebellious, and he isn’t so much kind as he is apathetic, but his viewpoints and morals change for the better in the 95-minute runtime, making his character arc enjoyable to watch. Fans of science fiction films and adventure movies can enjoy this inventive genre mashup, and although it is not the most loyal adaptation of Stevenson's book, it is perfect for what it is: an imaginative fusion and reappraisal of a long-published work.

8 'The Road to El Dorado' (2000)

A hidden DreamWorks gem, The Road to El Dorado is a treasure-hunting buddy comedy at its best. The movie centers around two friends, Miguel (Kenneth Branagh) and Tulio (Kevin Kline), who find a map to El Dorado, the fabled lost city of gold. As fate would have it, their purely selfish intentions are compromised when they not only find the city but also encounter the locals, who have much to teach the superficial duo about priorities and sacrifice.

The Road to El Dorado is a first-rate family adventure film. The humor is bitingly clever, which adult viewers can appreciate, and the colorful images and fun sequences will keep younger viewers entertained. The Road to El Dorado's soundtrack was composed by living legends Sir Tim Rice and Sir Elton John, and enhances the action very well. Kline and Branagh have electric on-screen chemistry together, and The Road to El Dorado is a 24-karat comedy you won't want to miss.

7 'The Rescuers Down Under' (1990)

Miss Bianca talks to Jake, who holds a map as Bernard looks annoyed in The Rescuers Down Under.

Two little mice have larger-than-life adventures as members of the Rescue Aid Society in The Rescuers Down Under. A sequel to the original 1977 film The Rescuers, the fearless pair of Bernard (Bob Newhart) and Miss Bianca (Eva Gabor) are back in action and go on their second perilous mission to save a human child who is in danger. This sequel, which was nearly 30 years in the making, built off the likable characters who debuted in the first film and added enhanced action scenes and innovative filming technology.

As the saying goes, “timing is everything,” and unfortunately, The Rescuers Down Under was a victim of poor box office timing. It was released the same week as Home Alone and in between Disney juggernauts The Little Mermaid and Beauty and the Beast. Luckily, this epic adventure tale has found a fan base nonetheless, and audiences appreciate its humor, heart, and gorgeous cinematography. Legendary comedian John Candy joined the cast, replacing actor Jim Jordan’s character, and it is easily one of his best children’s films. Newhart and Gabor picked right back up where they left off, and their compatibility as the lead characters is as charming as ever. George C. Scott is irreplaceable as the evil McLeach, and his tenure as a voice artist on the film was tumultuous and brilliant. From jaw-dropping aerial shots to tense life-or-death sequences, The Rescuers Down Under has enough excitement to fill an entire continent.

6 'National Treasure' (2004)

Nicolas Cage and his team search for clues on the Declaration of Independence in National Treasure.

A very fun treasure-heist movie that feels pluckily patriotic is the Nicolas Cage film National Treasure. Cage brings the character of Benjamin Franklin Gates to life with splendid panache. Part historian, part adventure seeker, and part ridiculed genius looking for redemption, National Treasure follows the passionate protagonist as he seeks to find a long-lost trove of wealth kept well hidden for centuries by the Freemasons.

National Treasure is an intriguing scavenger hunt of US trivia and locales. It is amusing to think that there might be a vast accumulation of ancient wonders disguised in plain sight, remaining dormant, just waiting to be discovered, even to this day. Justin Bartha adds quirky and amusing comedic relief, Jon Voight is spot-on as Ben’s dad, and Diane Kruger adds dimension to the story when her presence complicates the original plan. Sean Bean makes for a prominent villain, and the film has several meta moments that make it a treat for action and adventure genre fans, like letting the evil henchman have names, personalities, and, shock of all… dialogue!

5 'Aladdin' (1992)

Jasmine resting her head on Aladdin's shoulder during fireworks in Aladdin.

One of Disney’s greatest animated films of all time is also one of its best adventure films in Aladdin. It is no wonder that this ‘90s classic is oozing charisma; the main character was fashioned after one of the biggest names in action movies, Tom Cruise. Inspired by Cruise’s role in Top Gun, Aladdin (Scott Weinger) went from a scrawny street rat to the bold, daring, and cavalier icon audiences love today.

Aladdin is one of the few Disney films that focuses on a male lead character. His journey from poor urchin to respected hero takes many twists and turns in this colorful and vibrant film. There are daring rescue missions, magical caves filled with treasure, and death-defying sequences flying a little too close to active lava. Aladdin has everything some of the best adventure movies do: thrills, mystery, and romance. An added credit to the movie is that the heroine, Princess Jasmine (Linda Larkin), is not merely an arm ornament. She is strong, independent, and very much the leading force in her own character journey. Aladdin’s excellent voice acting, unforgettable characters, and heart-racing scenes make it an enduring adventure classic.

4 'The Goonies' (1985)

“Hey, you guys,” if you’re an adventure movie fan and you’ve never watched this ‘80s staple, this is your sign to add The Goonies to your next-watch list. Featuring an all-star cast before they were stars, Sean Astin, Josh Brolin, Jeff Cohen, Corey Feldman, and Ke Huy Quan bring the characters of Mikey, Brand, Chunk, Mouth, and Data, respectively, to life. The young actors have great chemistry together and form a tight-knit group of friends who have dubbed themselves “Goonies.”

In the film, the young boys take part in a grand adventure when they discover a pirate’s treasure map. What they think is going to be a run-of-the-mill treasure hunt erupts into a harrowing chase as a nefarious family of outlaws closes in and tries to reach the treasure before they do. The Goonies has remained a beloved adventure movie for four decades and is one of the best family films of the last 100 years. It makes for an energetic family movie that all ages can watch together. Adults will enjoy the solid character dynamics and interesting motives, and kids will thrill at the sweeping action scenes and spooky elements. Though there have been rampant rumors about a sequel, Brolin shared his trepidation in adding anything to a story that many consider to be perfect just as it is.

3 'The NeverEnding Story' (1984)

Atreyu next to the dragon Falkor in The NeverEnding Story.

When a young boy opens a book, he has no idea that his life and an entire world will be entwined in the same drama in The NeverEnding Story. Bastian (Barret Oliver) becomes immensely invested in the mesmerizing book he reads about an enchanted realm called Fantasia. The young reader becomes more involved with the story than he ever thought possible, and the very fate of the new world he’s learning about soon rests in his own hands.

It is a shame that author Michael Ende was so displeased with the film adaptation of his book, for it has become a beloved hallmark in pop culture and fantasy. Ende’s novel is so layered and complex that the movie only scratches the surface of the fantasy world, leaving much that was left out. However, the film itself stands as one of the most influential of all time, with references to it still being used in series like Stranger Things. With its dramatic storytelling and immersive sets, viewers are transported while watching The NeverEnding Story, and it remains an epic tale that brings the lore to life.

2 'The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian' (2008)

Opening with the unexpected birth of a male heir, we watch as a young prince is woken from his sleep and told to flee for his life in The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian. Part of the rich world-building fantasy series The Chronicles of Narnia, the second film, directed by Andrew Adamson, brought a whole new cast of characters into the sweeping epic. Based on the novels by C.S. Lewis, Prince Caspian takes place one year after the events in the first film, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. As the Pevensie siblings are called once again to the magical realm of Narnia, they soon realize that although it has been one calendar year for them, it has been thousands of years since they departed from Narnia.

"You have a chance to become the most noble contradiction in history - the Telmarine who saved Narnia."

Peter (William Moseley), Edmund (Skandar Keynes), Susan (Anna Popplewell), and Lucy (Georgie Henley) find Narnia a more “savage” place than when they left, and a new group of humans called Telmarines have invaded and conquered their kingdom. As the four former rulers find the remaining Narnians who live in hiding, they team up with Prince Caspian (Ben Barnes) to free the land from its oppressors. The cast is extremely talented and do their roles to credit. Peter Dinklage is phenomenal and disappears into the role of Trumpkin, and Moseley plays the internal angst of a kid, yet once king superbly well. There is a particularly rewarding moment for Keynes as Edmund when he has an instant victory and reminds everyone that the White Witch (Tilda Swinton) is not to be trusted, even for a second.

Similar to the first film, Prince Caspian has heart-racing battle sequences, and the added raw intensity in the second movie is palpable. The young kings and queens fight on their own for much of the film, and their misguided bravados do not come without consequences. Barnes is ideal in the role that launched him to stardom, and he brings Lewis’ character of Caspian to life in a highly engaging performance.

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