Ever since Disney+ has appeared, it has enjoyed unflagging interest. It’s no wonder, since the platform’s library includes so many blockbusters, from Star Wars, through Marvel superhits and Pixar animations, to a wide selection of classics. There is definitely a lot to choose from. In order to make it easier for you to choose an interesting title for your evening screening, we have gathered in one place some good adventure films. The choice is completely up to you, so feel free to add your suggestions in the comments.
The best adventure movies on Disney+
- Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
- Pirates of the Caribbean (series)
- Thor: Ragnarok
- Guardians of the Galaxy
- National Treasure
- Gone in 60 seconds
- Armageddon
- Jungle Cruise
- Free Solo
- The Three Musketeers
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
There have been quite a few ideas for expanding the Star Wars universe. What started with the iconic trilogy (now being the middle one) has grown incredibly. There are more movies from the canon, there are animated series, and there are new series expanding the known plots. Their level varies, which is loudly announced in the media when new projects are released. And there is also Rogue One, which for me is the best example of the potential of this universe. Rogue One: A Star Wars Story chronologically takes place before A New Hope and through it we get to learn how the Death Star plans fell into the hands of the rebels. It’s a closed story, which only works out well for the film. The pace of the story is just right, there’s plenty of action, and plenty of adventure, and the characters are definitely something you can like and root for. If the new trilogy had the level of this side story, the world would be a much better place.
Pirates of the Caribbean
If I had to name only one adventure film, it would be Pirates of the Caribbean with no hesitation and with an absolutely clear conscience. Especially the first part, i.e. The Curse of the Black Pearl, is a perfectly tailored film story filled in the right proportions with action, plot twists, humour, sensational elements, and a delicate sense of danger (but you know that everything will end well – it’s not a spoiler) and excellent music. Everything played in this film, can be seen in a number of sequels. At this moment the series counts as many as 5 films and who knows if it will not be continued (despite controversies connected with Johnny Depp) as it is a hen laying golden eggs.
Thor: Ragnarok
If you think about it carefully, pretty much most of Marvel’s films fit into the adventure movie list. However, I’ll try not to let them dominate this ranking, but a few of them simply deserve to be here. First and foremost is the third installment in the series with Thor. This is , in fairly common opinion, one of the better titles of the entire universe, and it’s a great adventure story with no shortage of action, humor, and unforced charm from almost all of the characters appearing on screen. From Thor himself, to Loki (of course), to the Archmage played by Jeff Goldblum, and the Hulk. What was natural in Ragnarok, in the sequel, “Thor: Love and Thunder” is not so natural. That is why I recommend this title.
Guardians of the Galaxy
Let’s stay in the Marvel universe for a while longer, because it would definitely be a great inappropriateness to skip Guardians of the Galaxy. The story of a group of seemingly mismatched space pirates, bounty hunters and fantastical individuals has so much charm, humour, action and (again) unforced charm that it’s a great pleasure to watch it. The heroes get into new trouble every now and then, get out of it bravely, only to get into even more trouble after a while. The plot rushes forward, special effects are on a high enough level and the soundtrack is one of the best in the whole MCU universe. Both parts are definitely worthy of recommendation, with the third due to hit cinemas as early as 2023.
National Treasure
For many people (including the undersigned), the quintessential adventure film is Indiana Jones. An unflappable archaeologist doggedly pursuing the discovery of more legendary treasures, it’s the very essence of adventure cinema. Sadly it’s not on offer on Disney+, but thankfully there’s something that undoubtedly had ambitions to match the original. National Treasure, starring Nicolas Cage and Diane Kruger, is another variation on the theme of the search for mythical artefacts. So here we have hidden clues, cyphers, riddles, bad guys wanting to seize the precious find for themselves, and who can’t let it fall into their hands. There’s fast action, humour, and a good pace. Just right to watch on a dull autumn evening to feel like a brilliant and fearless treasure hunter.
GONE IN 60 SECONDS
While we are on the subject of Nicolas Cage, I would like to mention here one more film from the best period of his career. It may not be a masterpiece of cinematography, but it is still a pleasure to watch. The title Gone in 60 seconds is about the time it takes for the main character to steal a car. Yes, Nicolas Cage is a car thief who will have to use his skills to save his brother from the hands of the mafia. He will be assisted, among others, by Angelina Jolie, so you can expect that the operation will end successfully. Before it happens, we will be able to admire a lot of good action, chases, great cars, and the whole thing is enriched with an excellent soundtrack.
Armageddon
Let’s go back a bit further, to the end of the nineties when a real action hero reigned on cinema screens – Bruce Willis. He’s a man who has saved so many lives and demolished so many cities that only a cosmic catastrophe could top it. And that’s exactly what he faced in this film. Probably everyone has already seen it at least once, but there’s nothing to prevent you from taking the pleasure and watching it again. This is a great example of entertaining Hollywood cinema at its best. Huge production, unlimited budget, stars on screen, explosions, pathos, emotion, humorous elements, romantic plot, plot twists, more pathos and American flag and in a bizarre way, it still holds together. It’s rare to make movies like this now (I think only Top Gun: Maverick managed it), so it’s all the more respectable. And whoever, upon seeing this title in the list, hasn’t hummed the Aerosmith hit in their head, let them be the first to drop a comment.
Jungle Cruise
What are the elements of a good adventure movie? Well, the answer is already contained in the question itself. There has to be an adventure! And what could be more exciting than an expedition to an exotic corner of the world to find the legendary tree of life in the heart of the Amazon jungle? It might be convincing that the closer you get to your destination, the more difficult and incredible adversities you’ll have to face. Let’s also add a bunch of completely mismatched heroes, who have to work together to achieve the goal. Anything missing? Here you go, a few familiar faces on the screen, fast action spiced with a pinch of humour and a good pace of the plot. Just in time for a weekend viewing.
Free Solo
Another proposition is a film, which is definitely an adventure (and an extreme one at that), and what is more, it is not a fictional story at all, but a documentary. We are watching an attempt to achieve what seems to be impossible. Climbing the El Captain wall in Yosemite National Park. It may seem like nothing, but only until you realize that the wall is almost vertical, the summit is over 2300 meters above sea level, and the entire climb is to be done without any protection. Crazy? Probably yes, but it watches like the best thriller movie and the views are simply phenomenal.
The Three Musketeers
Finally, one more return to the past. And a distant one, to the times when MTV was a music station and Nirvana reigned at the top of the charts. It was then that one of the best adaptations of Alexandre Dumas’ novel was made. Starring the youth idols of the time (Charlie Sheen, Kiefer Sutherland, Chris O’Donnell), the promotion of the film used a song by the next three Musketeers (Sting, Rod Stewart, Bryan Adams), but the most important thing is that the film itself stands up (even after all these years). It’s one of those titles that, even if you know it by heart, you can watch again and have just as much fun.
Other cool adventure movies on Disney Plus
As always, the problem with such lists is, firstly, the personal taste and preferences of the editor and, secondly, the necessity of limiting oneself in order to fit in the top 10 films. That is why a lot of adventure films are not included here. So what else is worth mentioning? It is always a great pleasure to watch the Toy Story series which is a phenomenon maintaining a high level for so many years (4 parts altogether). All in all, other animated films can be added to this group, such as Ice Age or newer Disney and Pixar titles.
We could also add other titles with the Marvel logo, but also such films as John Carter, The Labyrinth Prisoner and many, many more. Feel free to list them in the comments.
