Classic adventure films often use their action scenes to showcase and explore exotic locations in an energetic way. Popular concepts can include an outlaw fighting for justice or battling a tormenter, or a suspenseful or dangerous situation from which the characters must escape, or an epic journey or quest. In any case, as the box office shows, audiences love them and flock to adventure films in droves.
According to
IMDb and
FilmCrave these are the top money earning adventure movies, from the box office domestically and worldwide:
“Avatar” (2009)
$761 million domestically and $2.8 billion worldwide
This adventure film, directed by James Cameron, tells the story of a paraplegic Marine who is dispatched to Pandora on a unique mission and becomes torn between following his orders and protecting the alien world he feels is his home.
“Titanic” (1997)
$658.6 million domestically and $2.2 billion worldwide
Audiences loved this adventurous drama of a mismatched couple (rich girl, poor guy) finding love on the ship’s maiden voyage, only to suffer loss when they try to survive as the ship hits an iceberg and sinks. The story has been told in film before but the amazing sinking scene and special effects in director James Cameron’s film was a memorable film moment.
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“The Avengers” (2012)
$623 million domestically and $1.5 billion worldwide
Earth's mightiest heroes must come together and learn to fight as a team if they are to stop the mischievous Loki and his alien army from enslaving humanity.
“Star Wars: Episode 1—The Phantom Menace” (1999)
$475 million
In this adventure, two Jedi Knights escape a hostile blockade to find allies and come across a young boy who may bring balance to the Force, but the long dormant Sith resurface to reclaim their old glory.
“Star Wars” (1997)
$461 million
Luke Skywalker joins forces with a Jedi Knight, a cocky pilot, a wookiee and two droids to save the universe from the Empire's world-destroying battle-station, while also attempting to rescue Princess Leia from the evil Darth Vader.
“Shrek 2” (2004)
$436 million
Princess Fiona's parents invite her and Shrek to dinner to celebrate her marriage. If only they knew the newlyweds were both ogres.
“The Hunger Games: Catching Fire” (2013)
$425 million
Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark become targets of the Capitol after their victory in the 74th Hunger Games sparks a rebellion in the Districts of Panem.
“Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest” (2006)
$423 million
Jack Sparrow races to recover the heart of Davy Jones to avoid enslaving his soul to Jones' service, as other friends and foes seek the heart for their own agendas as well.
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“The Lion King” (1994)
$423 million
Tricked into thinking he caused his father’s death, a lion cub flees and abandons his destiny as the future king.
“Toy Story 3” (2010)
$415 million
The toys are mistakenly delivered to a day-care center instead of the attic right before Andy leaves for college. It's up to Woody to convince the other toys that they weren't abandoned and to return home.
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