Adventure films have always been beloved by audiences worldwide. They take viewers on thrilling journeys to unexplored realms, offering a taste of the unknown and a rush of adrenaline. What makes adventure films so captivating is their ability to provide an escape from the ordinary, combining excitement, danger, and discovery. This genre’s broad appeal stems from its versatility, blending elements of action, fantasy, and sometimes romance, appealing to diverse tastes.
In the modern digital era, platforms like Netflix have become a treasure trove for movie enthusiasts. The platform’s vast collection caters to the adventurous spirit, offering a plethora of narratives that ignite imagination and evoke a sense of wonder.
This article is your guide to films that have garnered popularity and deliver on the promise of a thrilling cinematic journey. Each selection aims to provide a unique exploration, making it easier for viewers to explore adventures that resonate with their preferences and, perhaps, discover a new favorite among the mix.
List Of 15 Popular Adventure Movies On Netflix
Movie 1: Uncharted (2022)
Directed by Ruben Fleischer, “Uncharted” stars Tom Holland, Sophia Ali, and Mark Wahlberg in a thrilling action-adventure film. Adapted from a popular video game of the same name, the movie follows the protagonist, Nathan Drake, on a dangerous treasure hunt. Amidst groups of treasure hunters, Nathan, known as Nate, must decode clues to find the Magellan ships and acquire the treasures before his rivals.
The story takes a dramatic turn when a friend betrays Nathan during one of his attempts. The film’s action-packed sequences and mystery elements, coupled with the race against time to find treasures, epitomize the adventure genre, making it a captivating watch on Netflix.
Movie 2: The Old Guard (2020)
Directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood, “The Old Guard” blends fantasy and action, starring Charlize Theron, Marwan Kenzari, and KiKi Layne. The narrative revolves around a group of immortal beings with regenerative powers protecting humanity for centuries. The story takes a twist when their secret is exposed, and they must fight to keep their identity safe while discovering a new immortal.
With its unique premise of immortality, the moral dilemmas the characters face, intense action sequences, and stunning visuals, “The Old Guard” stands out as a remarkable adventure film on Netflix.
Movie 3: Black Crab (2022)
“Black Crab,” directed by Adam Berg, stars Noomi Rapace, Dar Salim, and Aliette Opheim in a heart-wrenching war tragedy. Set in a post-apocalyptic winter, the story follows a soldier and mother on a dangerous mission to deliver a package that could save humanity. However, the mission’s stakes increase as she faces traitors and refugees, with the ultimate goal of reuniting with her daughter becoming more elusive.
Despite its war setting, the film’s complex journey through icy landscapes and the protagonist’s relentless pursuit against all odds encapsulate the essence of adventure, making “Black Crab” a compelling watch on Netflix.
Movie 4: Apollo 10½: A Space Age Childhood (2022)
Directed by Richard Linklater, this animated adventure drama explores a coming-of-age story set in the suburbs of Houston, Texas, during the summer of 1969, centering around the historic Apollo 11 moon landing. The movie delves into the imaginative world of a young boy, Stan (voiced by Milo Coy), whose father works at NASA and who, in his fanciful tales, has been secretly recruited to pilot a rocket to the moon.
The blend of historical elements with youthful imagination, all set against the backdrop of a significant event, provides a unique adventure that bridges the gap between reality and whimsy. Notable cast members include Jack Black and Lee Eddy, with the film showcasing a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Movie 5: Bubble (2022)
“Bubble,” a Japanese animated post-apocalyptic adventure film directed by Tetsurō Araki, explores a new reality where bubbles that defy gravity have altered the world. Cut off from the outside, Tokyo becomes a playground for youngsters who’ve lost their families.
With character designs by Takeshi Obata and music by Hiroyuki Sawano, this film offers a unique blend of action, adventure, and emotional narratives. The film stars Jun Shison, Riria, and Mamoru Miyano, showcasing a 1 hour and 40 minutes run time, painting a distinct picture of a post-apocalyptic adventure in a creatively re-imagined setting.
Movie 6: Extinct (2021)
“Extinct” is an animated adventure comedy directed by David Silverman and Raymond S. Persi that follows the journey of two flummels, Op and Ed, who travel from the Galápagos Islands in 1835 to present-day Shanghai, only to discover that their species became extinct shortly after. The film stars Adam Devine, Rachel Bloom, and Ken Jeong and was released worldwide on Netflix on November 19, 2021.
The whimsical time-travel adventure intertwined with comedic elements and the quest to prevent extinction makes this film a delightful, family-friendly adventure choice.
Movie 7: The Adam Project (2022)
“The Adam Project” is a science-fiction action comedy directed by Shawn Levy that delves into time travel adventures. Starring Ryan Reynolds as Adam Reed, a fighter pilot from 2050 who crash-lands in 2022, teams up with his 12-year-old self to embark on a mission to save the future.
With a runtime of 1 hour and 46 minutes, the film brings together an ensemble cast including Mark Ruffalo, Jennifer Garner, and Zoe Saldaña. This film, with its blend of humor, action, and a touching narrative about family and self-discovery, offers a captivating adventure that also explores the intriguing possibilities of time travel.
Movie 8: The Ice Road (2021)
“The Ice Road” is an action thriller film released in 2021, written and directed by Jonathan Hensleigh. Starring Liam Neeson as Mike McCann and Laurence Fishburne as Jim Goldenrod, the film follows the dangerous mission of a ‘big-rig’ ice road driver who must lead a rescue operation over a frozen ocean to save trapped miners after a remote diamond mine collapses in far northern Canada.
The harsh, icy landscapes and the perilous journey of the rescue team provide an adrenaline-fueled adventure, making it a notable entry into the adventure genre. The movie has a running time of 1 hour and 49 minutes and was initially released on June 18, 2021, in Iceland before it was available worldwide.
Movie 9: The King’s Man (2021)
“The King’s Man” is a historical action spy film directed by Matthew Vaughn and released in 2021. Serving as a prequel to the “Kingsman” film series, this movie delves into the origins of the first independent intelligence agency. In an unprecedented gathering of history’s most notorious tyrants and criminal masterminds, a sinister plot to annihilate millions unfolds. Now, a lone hero and his talented apprentice embark on a race against the clock, determined to thwart their nefarious plans. The thrilling adventure, historical backdrop, and high-stakes spy missions make it appealing as an adventure movie.
Movie 10: Red Notice (2021)
“Red Notice” is an action comedy thriller directed by Rawson Marshall Thurber, featuring a star-studded cast including Dwayne Johnson, Ryan Reynolds, and Gal Gadot. It is also popular among Netflix spy movies to watch.
The film revolves around a lawman determined to catch the world’s most wanted art thief. The ensuing cat-and-mouse game takes the characters around the globe in a whirlwind adventure filled with action, humor, and unexpected twists, embodying the adventurous spirit as they traverse different locations to outsmart each other.
Movie 11: Jungle Cruise (2021)
Directed by Jaume Collet-Serra, “Jungle Cruise” is a fantasy adventure film that debuted on July 30, 2021. Starring Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt, the narrative is inspired by the Disneyland theme park ride, taking the audience on a riveting journey down the Amazon River searching for a mythical tree believed to have healing powers. The dangerous and whimsical jungle, filled with real and supernatural elements, forms the adventurous backdrop of the story, providing a thrilling yet comedic expedition. The film has a runtime of 2 hours and 7 minutes, offering a blend of action, adventure, and comedy as the characters face numerous challenges in their quest.
Movie 12: The Tomorrow War (2021)
“The Tomorrow War” is a science fiction action film portraying a futuristic war where humanity relies on soldiers from the past to win a battle against alien invasion.
Starring Chris Pratt, Yvonne Strahovski, and J.K. Simmons, the film encapsulates the essence of adventure as it navigates through time travel, extraterrestrial threats, and the desperate fight for survival, making it a captivating watch for those seeking a blend of science fiction and adventure.
Although it can be a part of the top survival films on Netflix, it stands out as a thrilling adventure where the characters must rely on their wits and bravery to face dangerous odds.
Movie 13: The Mitchells vs. The Machines (2021)
“The Mitchells vs. The Machines” is a computer-animated science fiction comedy film released in 2021. The film centers on a charming yet eccentric family embarking on a road trip. However, their journey takes an unforeseen twist as they encounter a robot apocalypse, inadvertently becoming humanity’s most improbable last chance for survival. The cast includes Abbi Jacobson, Danny McBride, Maya Rudolph, and Michael Rianda.
With a unique blend of humor, family dynamics, and action-packed adventure, the film explores technology themes, familial bonds, and self-discovery, making it a delightful choice for viewers seeking an adventurous yet heartwarming narrative.
Movie 14: Finding ‘Ohana (2021)
Directed by Jude Weng and written by Christina Strain, “Finding ‘Ohana” is a family adventure film that premiered on Netflix on January 29, 2021. The narrative revolves around Pili and Ioane “E”, Native Hawaiian siblings who were brought up in Brooklyn, New York. Together with newfound companions, they embark on a grand journey through the countryside of O’ahu during the summer. Their expedition is driven by a journal that leads them to a hidden treasure of great significance. Along the way, they reconnect with their Hawaiian heritage.
The film stars Kea Peahu, Alex Aiono, Lindsay Watson, Owen Vaccaro, and Kelly Hu and has a 2-hour and 3-minute runtime. The exciting treasure hunt and the exploration of cultural roots make “Finding ‘Ohana” a captivating adventure film that also offers a heartwarming family story.
Movie 15: Wish Dragon (2021)
“Wish Dragon” is a computer-animated fantasy comedy film directed by Chris Appelhans, produced by Sony Pictures Animation and Tencent Pictures, and released in 2021. The narrative centers around Din, a determined teenager longing to reconnect with his childhood best friend. His life takes a magical turn when he encounters a wish-granting dragon, setting him on a journey filled with endless possibilities.
The film stars Jimmy Wong, John Cho, and Constance Wu. Released on June 11, 2021, with a runtime of 1 hour and 39 minutes, “Wish Dragon” offers a heartwarming and comical adventure intertwined with themes of friendship, dreams, and the magic of possibilities, making it a delightful watch for audiences of all ages.
Bottom Line
From mystical creatures, time-traveling adventures, and heartwarming family stories to post-apocalyptic landscapes and epic journeys, Netflix offers a diverse range of adventure films that cater to different preferences.
With its ever-growing library, viewers can find captivating narratives that offer thrilling action sequences and explore complex themes such as identity, morality, courage, and self-discovery. These 15 adventure films are just a glimpse into the vast selection of movies available, making Netflix a go-to destination for those seeking an adventure from their homes. So grab some popcorn and prepare to embark on these thrilling journeys with these must-watch adventure films on Netflix!