A good adventure flick is hard to come by, especially one filled with lovable characters and an intriguing plot. Audiences would immerse themselves for two hours while fantastical worlds were brought before them. These unusual settings and strange creatures allowed 80s movie goers to let their imaginations run wild. While these bigger than life worlds were brought before audiences, they were able to fall in love with a hero who struggles just like they do while taking down the evil villain.
The adventure film has been a crowd favorite ever since it hit the theaters, however, the 1980s gave fans a roster of films like never before. The quest to overcome an impossible obstacle is so intense to watch that it's no wonder people fell in love with them. Some of the 80s adventure movies grew into a franchise while others were able to stand on their own. Indiana Jones grew into one of the 80s most beloved franchises while The Goonies is a stand-alone film but a staple movie for anyone that grew up during that era. Here are the best adventure movies of the 80s ranked.
10 Labyrinth
When Labyrinth was first released, the critics did not paint this movie in a very good light. The Atlantic says that the critics were borderline hostile towards the film that starred David Bowie and Jennifer Connelly, stating that it was silly and flat. However, the movie started to grow on audiences because, at the core of the film, is the idea that childhood is full of mystery, tricks, danger, and is sometimes plain scary.
9 The NeverEnding Story
The NeverEnding Story was one of the most imaginative worlds to ever be brought to the big screen in the 80s. It was an epic tale that was fun, humorous, and, at times, terrifying to watch. The movie did not receive the mainstream recognition like other films that came out in the 80s, but it is an important piece of cinematic history. With the adorable luck dragon and catchy theme song, this story is still relevant in pop culture and even made its way into being referenced in Stranger Things.
8 Willow
This epic tale is about a young girl who is prophesied to take down the evil queen. Willow found just as much success as The NeverEnding Story when it first premiered. Kids in the 80s, however, loved this movie and have a sense of nostalgia whenever they think about Willow. The film was created by George Lucas, and starred Warwick Davis in his first leading role and featured digital technology by Industrial Light & Magic. A continuation story has been made for this 80s film and is now on Disney+.
7 The Land Before Time
Every kid from the 80s and even 90s has watched four young dinosaurs go on the hunt for a safe haven in a prehistoric world. Many kids who watched The Land Before Time got their first look into a world of loss, and the scene still chokes up many audiences to this day. The first film was a huge success as it tugged at the heartstrings of many and went on to create multiple sequels. Littlefoot, Ducky, Petrie, and Cera were the most influential dinosaurs until the release of Jurassic Park.
6 E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
The Steven Spielberg classic, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial is a movie that transcends generations and is one of his best films. A young boy comes into contact with a lost alien and became one of his most endearing friends. Elliot helps E.T. find his way back home before the government can capture him. Space explains that Spielberg's film at the time held the record for the highest-grossing film as well as the longest continuous theatrical run in one year.
5 Back to the Future
Movie fans of the 80s can't think of this time without thinking about Back to the Future. It was one of the perfect blockbuster hits for its time and continues to be. Michael J. Fox and Christopher Lloyd were the best onscreen leads as this sci-fi film took audiences back to the 1950s and into the future in the year 2015. The film is appreciated by multiple generations as it gives a sense of nostalgia for movie watchers as they go back in time to different eras that each generation may have a connection to.
4 Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back
Lucas started the world's longest-running franchise of space adventures when he gave audiences the first Star Wars film. Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back is the second film of the saga, and most fans would say is the backbone of the franchise. Raiders of the Lost Ark and The Empire Strikes Back dominated the box offices in the 80s while also changing the world of action and adventure movies. Metacritic claims that this movie out-performs its predecessor and has the perfect balance between action and mysticism.
3 Raiders of the Lost Ark
Indiana Jones is one of the most beloved adventure heroes of the 80s. Raiders of the Lost Ark is a modern day adventure film that can be watched repeatedly without ever getting old as he hunts for the lost Ark of the Covenant. The movie sat at the top of the box office charts with Star Wars. Raiders of the Lost Ark was released in 1981 and is argued among the fandom to be one of the best Indiana Jones films. Some might even argue to say it's the best adventure film of all time.
2 The Princess Bride
The Princess Bride has created a cult following ever since its release. The movie is praised for its epic story of giants, sword fighting, adventure, and of course true love. The Princess Bride goes beyond anything Disney could create as the movie has spun off countless parodies, board games, apparel, and accessories. The film gives audiences a story within a story as the movie brings viewers back to reality and reminding them that they are hearing the same story as the sick little boy.
1 The Goonies
When talking about adventure movies of the 80s, The Goonies is another film that needs to be discussed. The movie is about a young group of kids looking for a treasure, and it gives us memorable moments and lines that are talked about to this day. The quest to find One-Eyed Willy's treasure is filled with such humor that each generation can't help but love to watch. This spot-on adventure film is the best the 80s had to offer.