The year was 1999, and Stephen Sommers gave the world the smash hit The Mummy. The action-adventure classic follows an adventurer named Rick O’Connell (Brendan Fraser), an eager librarian named Evelyn Carnahan (Rachel Weisz), and her brother Jonathan (John Hannah) as they travel to the lost city of Hamunaptra. They accidentally resurrect Imhotep (Arnold Vosloo), an ancient Egyptian high priest cursed to be an undead monster, who then brings the Ten Plagues of Egypt to the modern world as he searches for the reincarnation of his long-lost love. Flawlessly mixing swashbuckling adventure, genuine romance, belly-laugh comedy, and creepy horror, The Mummy strikes the right tone that makes it a fun film to watch.
As much as we love the film and the sequels that followed, there are action flicks with a higher watchability factor. While they may not be steadfast masterpieces, they have a slightly higher fun component. For this list, we’re sticking to action films that fall under the action-adventure umbrella. Yes, there are certainly generic action movies like Die Hard or Mission: Impossible that could be discussed; we’re just streamlining the category because if you’re craving The Mummy, you’re seeking adventure. From pirates to vampire hunters, archaeologists to filmmakers, these adventurer-seekers inspired us to keep watching their stories even when we know the outcome.
1
‘Lara Craft: Tomb Raider’ (2001)
Let’s get it out of the way now: Lara Croft: Tomb Raider is not a masterpiece. Yes, it’s flawed. But who doesn’t love watching Angelina Jolie in action? Riding the wave of The Mummy’s success, Lara Croft: Tomb Raider lifts the iconic video game and gives it the cinematic treatment. The film follows a wealthy and athletic British aristocrat as she attempts to uncover an ancient, supernatural artifact called the Triangle of Light. With a rare planetary alignment that occurs only once every 5,000 years, Lara must race across the globe to secure the relic’s two halves and defeat the secret society of the Illuminati before they can harness its time-controlling powers. Navigating treacherous booby traps, solving complex puzzles, and battling armed mercenaries, the globe-trotting adventure is pure, unapologetic fun.
Lara Croft: Tomb Raider is a high-octane adventure with a lead actress who is perfectly cast. Fully committed to the part, Jolie goes full tilt, providing the right blend of physical strength and charisma to bring her to life. Directed by Simon West, Lara Croft: Tomb Raider embraces over-the-top action from the video game and translates it into a cinematic blockbuster. The film has a light, fast-paced tone that makes for great escapist entertainment. Joining Jolie is a brilliant supporting ensemble, including Jon Voight as Lord Richard Croft, Lara’s father; Daniel Craig as Alex West, Lara’s lover and rival; Chris Barrie as Hillary, her butler; and Iain Glen as Manfred Powell, leader of the Illuminati. Lara Croft: Tomb Raider brings 2000s energy and nostalgia, reminding us why we fought so hard for a big-screen adaptation.
2
‘Jungle Cruise’ (2021)
Again, it’s not a perfect film, but if you loved The Mummy for its escapism, then the Jungle Cruise is exactly what you need to watch over and over again. One of the more successful film adaptations of a Disney ride, Jungle Cruise turns a comedic dark ride into a vibrant action-adventure. The Jaume Collet-Serra-directed film follows Dr. Lily Houghton (Emily Blunt), an intrepid British scientist, and her brother, MacGregor Houghton (Jack Whitehall), who hire a wisecracking riverboat captain named Frank Wolff (Dwayne Johnson) to navigate the treacherous Amazon. Together, they race against a ruthless German expedition led by an aristocratic Prince Joachim (Jesse Plemons) and cursed 16th-century Spanish conquistadors led by Don Aguirre (Édgar Ramírez) to find a mythical tree with unparalleled healing powers. More than just a movie based on a theme park ride, Jungle Cruise is a nostalgic popcorn movie that evokes the classic action-adventure films we fell in love with.
The plot of the film is of epic proportions, but its willingness to acknowledge it allows Jungle Cruise to remain in its own lane — or river, if you will. By tapping into the classic tropes that made vintage pulp adventure sagas adored, Jungle Cruise is a breezy, no-stress viewing experience. Through the combination of a major mythical quest, gleefully over-the-top villains, and brilliant character dynamics, the film checks off all the boxes of a rewatchable film. The trio of main characters is sensational, with their chemistry undeniable. If you didn’t have a classic IP attached to it, you’d still have a fun time watching the original narrative. Unapologetically campy, if your bank account prevents you from traveling to Disneyland, and you’re seeking the magic of the Mouse, Jungle Cruise brings you that joy through its playful script that nods to the ride. How could you do a movie based on the ride without a constant barrage of puns?
3
‘King Kong’ (2005)
There are very few directors who could get away with adapting or rebooting a classic pop culture film like King Kong. Fortunately, Peter Jackson was one of them. Upon delivering three brilliant Lord of the Rings films, Jackson took audiences to 1933 New York City to re-meet the titular giant gorilla. The epic monster movie follows an ambitious filmmaker, Carl Denham (Jack Black), who coerces his cast, including actress Ann Darrow (Naomi Watts), and crew to travel to the uncharted Skull Island to film a movie. There, the crew encounters prehistoric creatures and a legendary 25-foot-tall gorilla, Kong. After the island’s hostile natives kidnap Ann as a sacrifice, Kong captures her — only for the two to form an unexpected, empathetic bond. Blinded by ambition, Demham uses the circumstances to his advantage by subduing Kong and putting him on display in New York City. Culminating in the iconic Empire State Building climax, King Kong serves as a loving homage to the original while welcoming a new generation to the mesmerizing story.
King Kong is a thrilling, chilling, adrenaline-pumping blockbuster. A true beauty-and-the-beast tale, King Kong is a highly immersive, exceptionally executed movie. With a wonderful blueprint to follow, Jackson’s craftsmanship continues to hold up. His strength is in intricate world-building. Whether on land, in the concrete jungle, or in one filled with fauna, Jackson transports viewers through the highly detailed atmosphere. Mixing a strong period piece with a gripping survival horror on the island, he weaves in the tragic romance that makes Jackson a prolific visual storyteller. King Kong is made by the extraordinary CGI beast. Andy Serkis does a remarkable job as the motion-capture actor who brings the creature to life. King Kong is a classic story that is elevated by the film’s sense of wonder. You can watch King Kong over and over again, and you’ll likely have your breath constantly taken away.
4
‘National Treasure’ (2004)
“I’m going to steal the Declaration of Independence.” Is there a more iconic line that pulls you into a movie? On the surface, National Treasure sounded like it was going to be a big-budget flop. Instead, director Jon Turteltaub and producer Jerry Bruckheimer delivered an iconic film that launched a beloved franchise. In the first film, historian and cryptologist Benjamin Franklin Gates (Nicolas Cage) races to find a legendary Knights Templar treasure before a team of mercenaries, led by his former partner, Ian Howe (Sean Bean), does. The adventure spans the East Coast, requiring him to steal the Declaration of Independence to uncover a hidden map with the aid of his tech-savvy friend Riley Poole (Justin Bartha) and National Archives archivist Abigail Chase (Diane Kruger). A history-lover’s film, National Treasure is a brilliant US soil treasure hunt that blends historic conspiracy theories, smart puzzle-solving, and clean, family-friendly humor without resorting to gruesome violence.
The film works as a love letter to history without being overtly teachy. National Treasure serves as a clever historical puzzle that layers in some education during the high-octane hunt. With high-stakes tensions paired with high-tech thrills, National Treasure is family-friendly fun. Of course, the draw is Cage, who brings his full-throttle best to the part. He’s earnest and electric, intelligent and endearing. His ability to carry the film without violence proves his veracity and versatility in the action genre. Cage is just an enigmatic good guy! The film serves as a comfort watch and a means of enticing dream trips to the practical locations the trio visits. Chances are, if you watch one National Treasure movie, you’re going to watch them all. And that’s a perfect trilogy to binge during a weekend in.
5
‘Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003)
Easily the most successful adaptation of a theme park ride movie is none other than the groundbreaking Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl. Launching Captain Jack Sparrow into our hearts, the first film of the franchise is a swashbuckling great time. Directed by Gore Verbinski, the instant classic tells the tale of the eccentric Captain Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp) and a determined blacksmith, Will Turner (Orlando Bloom), as they team up to rescue the kidnapped Elizabeth Swann (Keira Knightley). They soon discover that her captors are an undead pirate crew, led by the mutinous Captain Barbosa (Geoffrey Rush), cursed by a chest of Aztec gold that transforms them into living skeletons by moonlight. Jack, motivated by reclaiming his beloved ship and exacting revenge, sets out on an epic adventure. A masterful mix of fantasy, pirate lore, and a brush with the supernatural, Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl remains a grin-inducing delight.
The stakes were low, so when Pirates of the Caribbean exceeded expectations, it brought instant joy and a surge in action-adventure films. Even at a nearly two-and-a-half-hour runtime, the film’s pacing is brisk, with constant action. Through a strong script from Ted Elliott and Terry Rossio, there’s just enough time spent establishing lore, backstory, and mythology that when we take to the high seas, we feel a part of the crew. The film has a timeless quality. As a period piece, it still feels refreshing no matter when you watch it. A major factor in the film’s success is the expert tone. Pirates of the Caribbean balances lighthearted comedy with genuinely thrilling, dark supernatural fantasy. It’s all thanks to a once-in-a-career character like Captain Jack Sparrow. Depp had already established a resume of brilliant roles, but Captain Jack was wonderfully unpredictable; you simply couldn’t look away. With exceptional cinematography and an iconic score from Hans Zimmer and Klaus Badelt, Pirates of the Caribbean became an action-adventure game-changer. We’ll never be tired of this franchise.
6
‘Raiders of the Lost Ark’ (1981)
Looking back at it now, it was obvious that a project directed by Steven Spielberg, created by George Lucas, and starring Harrison Ford would be a slam dunk. Back in 1981, that surefire success wasn’t guaranteed. Perhaps that’s why Raiders of the Lost Ark is missing the Indiana Jones moniker at the start of its title. But the film was not only wildly successful; it also launched a franchise and served as a reminder of why classic action-adventure films remain part of the zeitgeist. The first film follows globe-trotting archaeologist Indiana Jones (Ford) as he races against Nazi forces to find the biblical Ark of the Covenant. With the help of his tough former romantic interest, Marion Ravenwood (Karen Allen), Indy must survive dangerous tombs and betrayals to keep the artifact’s supernatural power out of Hitler’s hands before Indy’s rival archaeologist, René Belloq (Paul Freeman), can get to it first. Oh, and Indy has to deal with snakes. An adventure that literally leaves you breathless, Raiders of the Lost Ark features a flawless blend of comedy and action as it introduces us to a timeless, rugged hero we aspired to be.
Reminiscent of the period action-adventure sagas set in the same era as the film, Raiders of the Ark evokes nostalgia while delivering the episodic, cliffhanger energy of 1930s adventure serials. Every moment is earned. Even with so much action, Raiders of the Ark works as a brilliant character-driven story. Indy isn’t just a placeholder; he’s a relatable, flawed individual who is highly competent but physically vulnerable. He may be whip-smart and know how to use a whip, but he’s not without error. It’s why we root so hard for the action hero. Ford may have been known for Han Solo at the time, but Indy became his more iconic, rugged lead. Masterfully produced and executed, Raiders of the Lost Ark is a rush of fun. It set up a resurgence of modern blockbusters and a desire for long-running franchises. With a perfect storm of collaborators, Raiders of the Lost Ark gets better every time you watch.
Movies have the opportunity to lift source material and make it even stronger. You can read a comic and be whisked away on an adventure, but it’s even more enthralling to watch it in action. That’s exactly what happened with The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen. Based on the first volume of the comic book series by Alan Moore and Kevin O’Neill, the film, set in an alternate Victorian era, follows a legendary adventurer, Allan Quatermain (Sean Connery), who leads a team of famous literary and mythological figures — including Captain Nemo (Naseeruddin Shah), Mina Harker (Peta Wilson), Dorian Gray (Stuart Townsend), and Dr. Jekyll/Mr. Hyde (Jason Flemyng) — to stop a mysterious masked villain named The Fantom (Richard Roxburgh) from triggering a global world war by staging attacks to pit world empires against one another. Traveling the globe in The Nautilus, the action-adventure marries comic book lore with blockbuster allure and a book lover’s appeal.
A pre-Avengers team-up galore, The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen is an entertaining romp that dangles popcorn flick gimmicks in front of a hungry audience. The ensemble is quite dynamic, but the film reaches its heights thanks to the extraordinary gentleman himself, Connery. If you’re looking for Connery doing what he does best, this film delivers in spades. Though he may not have had fun (the film led him to retire), he still carries it like he was back in the James Bond world. The dream team of literature standouts was ahead of its time and thus adds a level of intrigue from today’s perspective. With fast-paced, action-packed battles mixed with a stellar steampunk aesthetic, The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen is a guilty-pleasure movie that scratches a niche itch.
8
‘The Mask of Zorro’ (1998)
There may be a faction of readers who will learn right now why the casting of Antonio Banderas as Puss in Boots was perfect. It’s this movie, The Mask of Zorro. Based on the fictional character Zorro by Johnston McCulley, The Mask of Zorro tells the tale of the original Zorro, Don Diego de la Vega (Anthony Hopkins), who escapes from prison after 20 years to avenge his wife’s murder and rescue his long-lost daughter, Elena (Catherine Zeta-Jones). He trains a troubled bandit, Alejandro Murrieta (Banderas), to be his successor and stop Don Rafael Montero (Stuart Wilson) from seizing control of California. A truly legendary ‘90s classic, The Mask of Zorro expertly balances old-school swashbuckling adventure with the rebirth of the hero narrative. A stunning-looking film with extraordinary sword-work and fight choreography, The Mask of Zorro is thrilling from start to finish.
Introducing a new generation to one of the greatest fictional heroes of all time, The Mask of Zorro perfectly found the ‘90s niche while honoring the past to craft a blockbuster. The trio of stars has exceptional chemistry, working well with one another, matching their energy beat for beat. Bandaras and Hopkins form a sensational duo in their mentor dynamic, while Zeta-Jones puts up a great fight in their enemies-to-lovers romance. With a classic hero’s journey, The Mask of Zorro prevents the story’s damsel-in-distress trope from happening. It’s carried through by Zeta-Jones career-making performance. Elena is a strong woman played by an equally strong woman. The film is famous for its stunt work. Just for that, the film’s rewatch factor is quite high. There have been very few sword-centric stories that compare to The Mask of Zorro’s proper execution. Straying from CGI-heavy action, The Mask of Zorro remains a triumphant example of using practical effects and stunts to deliver a perfect blockbuster. There will never be a more perfect casting than Bandaras as Zorro, and for that, we must keep this film in our memory bank.
9
‘Transformers’ (2007)
From gritty, dirty action-adventure stories to technically advanced thrillers comes Transformers. If there is one thing that Michael Bay can do well, it is deliver a blockbuster. Such was the case with the franchise-making film. Transformers centers on a teenager named Sam Witwicky (Shia LaBeouf), who buys his first car, unaware that it is Bumblebee, an alien robot. He inadvertently gets caught in a war between the heroic Autobots and evil Decepticons, both seeking the AllSpark to rebuild their devastated home world, Cybertron. Turning the beloved media franchise into a box office smash, Transformers delivers non-stop action through thrilling action, fantastic special effects, and a lovable underdog story to deliver the epitome of a popcorn blockbuster.
Bay gives fans many reasons to come back to the film over and over again. He ensures that the CGI work is infused effortlessly with real-world explosions, military hardware, and practical crashes to get your blood pumping. What makes the film alluring is its accessibility. Whether you played with the toys as a kid or are coming to Transformers for the hype, the mythology and lore are digestible enough to go along for the ride. A visually mesmerizing film, Transformers is a movie you can turn on when you’re ready to turn off. Transformers successfully celebrates a beloved toy into a crowd-pleasing spectacle that delivers a touching coming-of-age human story with the thrill of a sci-fi action movie.
10
‘Van Helsing’ (2004)
Having already established himself as a box office magnet, Hugh Jackman was eager to find another literary character to blow away audiences. This time, it was in the form of Van Helsing. A product of its time and an homage to the Universal Monsters of the past, Van Helsing casts Jackman as Gabriel Van Helsing, an amnesic Vatican-commissioned monster hunter who travels to Transylvania, teaming up with Anna Valerious (Kate Beckinsale), the last of an ancient family sworn to kill Count Dracula (Richard Roxburgh) and Frankenstein’s (Shuler Hensley) monster. Fulfilling the horror fantasy quota, Van Helsing acts as a pulp action classic that mixes monster lore with pure, unadulterated camp. It’s a “greatest hits” type of story that is visually mesmerizing.
At its core, Van Helsing is a delicious pulpy popcorn flick. A major reason this film is on this list is the man who made it: director Stephen Sommers. Coming off the success of The Mummy and its successors, Van Helsing had a high bar to achieve. It may not have reached it, but it earned a cult classic moniker in the process. It may not be perfect, but it’s certainly entertaining, to say the least. Van Helsing thrives through its gothic atmosphere, elaborate special effects, and overwhelmingly mystifying set pieces. A high-voltage monster mash like audiences had never seen before, Van Helsing unites classic horror tropes with an action-adventure story with charisma. When they talk about chewing the scenery, think of Van Helsing. The film devours it.
Van Helsing
- Release Date
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May 3, 2004
- Runtime
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132 Minutes
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