We didn’t grow up with streaming queues and infinite scroll - we had VHS, late-night scrambled cable, and that one weird friend who somehow owned every bootleg movie. Out of that glorious chaos came a stack of fantasy adventure films that raised us, warped us, and, honestly, made Gen X the best generation (if you don’t agree, you can talk to the hand).
Here are 16 Adventure Movies that defined a generation, revolutionized filmmaking, and made growing up awesome. Feel free to cheer, groan, or yell at me in the comments about what should’ve made the list (or what shouldn’t have).
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This Week’s Rediscovered Realms Theme Song:
The wind once carried their names, etched in the hearts of bards and sung in the halls of kings — heroes of a bygone age, their deeds shaping realms and delivering hope. But that was long ago. The echoes faded. The world forgot.
Until now.
Through crumbling ruins and skies heavy with storm, they return — swords flashing in moonlight, shields blazing beneath the sun. They are needed once more, as the battles they left unfinished still cry for resolution. And with their return, the world trembles anew with hope and salvation.
Welcome to Rediscovered Realms new column, “Gen X Chronicles” where we dust off the VHS tapes, tight-roll our pants, and revisit the Fantasy/Adventure/SciFi films, games, and books that shaped a generation (mine). Think of this as a challenge, a confession, and a love letter all rolled into one. Argue with me. Agree with me. But most of all, join me.
Last week I streamed a really terrible modern adventure movie. To redeem the ick feeling it left me with, I forced myself to stay up late and watch one more newly released light-hearted adventure movie made for teens that wound up being a fantastic surprise - full of uplifting action, shenanigans and overall fun.
I mean, I had a blast!
It sparked that feeling inside that I had almost forgotten about, a feeling mostly lost to the recent ages - “Movie Magic”.
You remember that, don’t you?
When movies were made primarily for entertainment instead of for agendas, when they were unapologetic for their humor and tastes?
Where actors were movie stars whose personal lives and political opinions were mostly shrouded from public view, when a good story & writing meant something, when the special effects were unrefined yet sublime, the musical scores epic, and most of all, when they afforded you escape from the world and left you with the feeling that you just participated in something truly special?
Wanting to revel in that transient feeling virtually with others, I looked up the movie comments in Reddit and IMDB and was SHOCKED to see the hate that was spewed towards it.
How could something that I found so enjoyable be ridiculed by the masses? It was clean, adventurous, silly and outrageous, but it didn’t claim to be anything other than what it was.
To add insult to injury, I looked up the OTHER movie that I thought was absolutely terrible, and guess what?
The masses touted it as one of the best movies to ever grace this planet!
“Am I that out of touch with current culture?”, I heard myself ask out loud (right after asking, “Is there something wrong with me that I should go see a doctor for?”)
I went to bed with dark confusing clouds swirling within my brain, mocking and pointing wispy judgmental fingers at me …
A HERO Reveals Himself
The next day, my wife happened to be streaming a movie while I was working upstairs.
Familiar voices from the deep past etched into my psyche took hold with instant recognition and lured me to the television set.
A movie I hadn’t watched in oh, probably 40 years.
A movie hero and symbol so powerful to my generation and generations before and since stood there in an emotionally mighty final scene exactly as my childhood eyes remembered it.
I mean, my generation had bedsheets with this hero, Underoos underwear, Halloween costumes, audio books (using a physical book and a record player!), Colorforms, alarm clocks, bubble bath, puzzles, coloring books, Matchbox cars, frisbees, cartoons, comic books, action figures . . .
As I watched the final scene of this movie play out along with the credits and epic musical score, that thought about “Movie Magic” bubbled back up to the surface along with some nostalgic tears.
This was true movie magic.
Christopher Reeve as Superman.
Even after all these years, and the somewhat over-the-top plot, and even with the primitive special effects, I was dumbfounded at how good and rawly emotional those final scenes of this movie were.
Again, after decades, I felt the emotions swell and the lightning strike as I participated in something truly special.
Unlike that terrible movie from the day before and its legions of supporters.
And that’s when it hit me.
Part of being Gen X is that we don’t apologize for keeping it real, and more importantly - no one else gets to define what’s real for us.
I got to thinking of some of the other times in early life that “Movie Magic” lightning struck.
I grabbed a pen and scrap of paper and quickly wrote down a list - by year - of the most influential adventure movies that defined my childhood in movie theaters and re-runs that helped forge a generation’s values, sense of humor, and sensibilities.
This was the Movie Magic of old that once roared loudly and shook the foundations of our shared existence.
Legendary feats of spectacle that you could quote, discuss & reminisce with friends and family.
I bet many of these movies have done the same for you.
Just keep in mind that there are SO MANY more excellent Adventure movies that could (and should!) fit in this list. I know I forgot some that I’ll kick myself about, and some may not be what you would consider mainstream Adventure movies. But that’s why you’re here! Remind, Enlighten or Kick me in the comments.
Before you do though, also keep in mind that these are more than just “movies”, they are cultural touchpoints shared and enjoyed by millions of people. So show some respect! 😁
The 16+ Adventure Movies That Made Growing Up Awesome!
1974 – Young Frankenstein Mel Brooks takes Frankenstein’s monster and turns him into a punchline, proving horror and humor can share the same coffin.
Honorable Mention:Blazing Saddles (because “Badges? We don’t need no stinkin’ badges!” is forever.)
When humor could entertain and instruct, all while splitting your sides wide open and not offending the world!
1975 – Monty Python and the Holy Grail Absurdity, coconuts, and killer rabbits — this movie didn’t just spoof Arthurian legend, it rewrote comedy for generations.
Such fun memories watching this as a teen with my brother and D&D buddies! And no - I will not go and get you some more shrubberies!
1976 – Rocky This was the definitive modern underdog myth come to life.
The Rocky series showed us all that we could achieve anything by working hard, not giving up, and always keeping our dream alive.
1977 – Star Wars The space opera that started it all. A galaxy far, far away became our second home.
There hardly seemed to be a year that went by that these original 3 movies weren’t being played in re-runs on TV - and if you happened to catch a glimpse while channel surfing, you were done for (stuck watching it all the way until the end)!
I didn’t know this as a kid, but was thrilled to learn that George Lucas modeled his story on Joseph Campbell’s “Hero’s Journey” framework.
1978 – Superman The Movie Christopher Reeve made us believe a man could fly — and that superhero movies could be more than camp.
Taught us about integrity, kindness, and silent power (and how to keep a secret - even if you had to rewind the Earth to do it!)
My Mom would always cheer for Superman in this and the subsequent movies, reinforcing the fact that there is such a thing as shared movie experience between generations, and that true heroes are truly universal.
I wonder, though, if she still has my Superman sheets (and Underoos!) packed somewhere? …
1979 – Alien “In space, no one can hear you scream”… but every Gen Xer remembers screaming when that alien burst forth from that pour soul’s distended belly.
Ripley is one of the coolest most kick-ass women ever to grace our silver screen.
I still remember years after watching it how learning about real parasites in school terrified me anew. (“Wait. You mean to tell me that bugs really can live in us and emerge from our bodies?”)
1980 – Flash Gordon Camp. Color. Queen’s soundtrack. This space opera is as glorious as it is ridiculous.
Look. You had to be there, alright? And if you can still get there, take me with you!
Just don’t reach your hand into any Russian-Roulette-styled holes. (Again, you had to be there …)
Honorable Mentions:The Empire Strikes Back (darker, deeper Star Wars) & Airplane! (the comedy that broke the fourth wall and kept going).
It was a dark 3 years indeed, when we had to wait while Han Solo was stuck in carbonite until The Return of The Jedi. Me and my elementary school friends were losing our minds!
1981 – Raiders of the Lost Ark Indiana Jones swung into theaters and reminded us history class could have bullwhips, golden idols, and rolling boulders.
Honorable Mention:Excalibur (Knights, sorcery, and more shiny armor than a Ren Faire parade — this was Arthurian legend turned gritty and dark.), and Dragonslayer (Dark, gritty, and way scarier than a Disney movie had any right to be — this dragon set the bar for ‘80s fantasy fear.)
Never got to experience Raiders in the theater, but when it got played on television it changed my world!
Excalibur was always a haunting story that sticks with you of mistakes, betrayal, and trying to do good.
Dragonslayer was terrifying as a kid. But still somehow Movie Magical.
Your next piece of fantasy fun is calling.
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1982 – Conan the Barbarian Schwarzenegger barely speaks — but don’t cry for him because his friend does it for him. The movie that defined the modern Sword and Sorcery genre.
To this day, I consider this one of the greatest fantasy movies of all time. The music soundtrack by Basil Poledouris is some of the most epic music you will ever experience in your life.
Honorable Mentions:The Beastmaster (because Kodo, Podo, Dar & Kiri deserve love too.), and The Dark Crystal (Jim Henson went full dark fantasy — puppets, prophecy, and Skeksis nightmares we’re still unpacking in therapy.)
Fondest memories of watching The Beastmaster on TV with my Dad and brother on lazy Saturdays.
Our whole family went to see The Dark Crystal in the movie theater when it came out and I still (don’t) remember the ending, because the filmstrip broke just at the climax with a minute or two left!
1983 – Krull Sci-fi? Fantasy? Sword-wielding space opera? It didn’t matter — we rented it a hundred times anyway.
The “Widow of the Web” scene still gets me right in the heart to this day.
Honorable Mentions:Return of the Jedi (the Ewok debate - and the debate about Lucas messing with the originals - still rages)
1984 – The Last Starfighter The kid who plays video games saves the galaxy — our joystick-fueled daydreams made real.
Honorable Mentions:Ghostbusters, Indiana Jones & the Temple of Doom, The Karate Kid (what a stacked year.)
This was an AMAZING year! I chose The Last Starfighter because I always adored the way they blended the “chosen one” trope with winning a video game.
We all wanted to be Ghostbusters, fight evil like Indy, and Crane Kick the sh*t out of any bullies that came our way like Daniel LaRusso!
(I remember picking up a “How to” Karate book from the Scholastic book fair that year and trying to teach myself in my bedroom! That, and Ninja-mania came on pretty strong after The Karate Kid! Literally, Everybody was Kung-fu fighting! 🎶)
1985 – The Goonies Treasure maps, booby traps, and “Hey you guys!” — childhood adventure distilled into pure magic. Honorable Mention:Back to the Future (time travel perfection).
It’s hard to express how magical both of these movies were at the time. Probably 2 of the best adventure movies of all time.
I remember wishing I lived somewhere where Pirates used to be so I could go treasure hunting.
Going back in time to kiss my Mom . . . nope, never wished that, regardless of what Zemeckis or Freud says!
1986 – Aliens James Cameron cranked the tension and gave us “Get away from her, you bitch!” — one of cinema’s greatest mic drops. Honorable Mention:Top Gun (1980s techno-cold-war machismo par excellence).
“Alien” and “Aliens” in this list?
You bet. The sequel was just. that. good.
“Mostly …” - Newt
“Game over, man, Game over!” - Private Hudson played by Bill Paxton (R.I.P.)
1987 – Predator The jungle. The heat. The hunt. Schwarzenegger vs. an alien trophy hunter — and a handshake meme that will never die.
Having the teacher roll out the huge TV cart and watching this at the end of summer school history class was one of the BEST uses of school time ever!
1988 – Die Hard Some say it’s the best Christmas movie ever. Others say “Yippee-ki-yay” settles that argument.
After Lethal Weapon’s prior year release came Moonlighting’s Bruce Willis who gave us one of the best average-Joe-gets-caught-up-in-random-Christmas-terrorist movie characters ever!
1989 – Batman Keaton. Nicholson. Burton. Before the MCU, this was the comic book movie gold standard. Honorable Mentions:Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade & Back to the Future II (because we weren’t done time traveling yet.)
Another tough year to decide on just ONE defining Adventure movie, but I have to give it to Batman for its groundbreaking concepts, acting, and cool factor (and being probably the most relatable superhero ever (minus the billions of dollars of course!)
I remember my family and I being so excited after seeing a movie preview the previous year that showed only the bat symbol!
Indy and Marty McFly were also incredible, and honestly, I feel have more replay value than Batman, though.
Alright, Gen X, Millennials, Boomers & Zoomers — your turn.
What Adventure movies don’t belong? Which ones did I criminally leave out?
Here are a few other questions to ponder and share:
What’s the one Adventure movie here that absolutely defined your childhood?
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The Heroes Return [Verse] The wind it whispered tales of old Of warriors brave with hearts of gold Through shadowed lands and skies untamed Their legends burned Their names remained [Prechorus] But silence grew The echoes dimmed The world forgot the fire within [Chorus] They’ve come back The heroes return Through the ashes The embers still burn Blades in the moonlight Shields in the sun The battles they left are far from done [Verse 2] A thousand moons have passed them by The stars bore witness to every lie Mountains crumbled Rivers dried Yet here they stand The tide defied [Prechorus] The ground it trembles The sky takes note The earth remembers every oath [Chorus] They’ve come back The heroes return Through the ashes The embers still burn Blades in the moonlight Shields in the sun The battles they left are far from done
I saw Flash Gordon, Raiders and Krull in the cinema. I saw Dragonslayer, Clash of the Titans, and Excalibur at the drive-in. All before I was 10 because my parents really had no clue.
I sneak watched Conan at my grandparents on cable.
I'm a Boomer (that people say still hasn't grown up) and many of my favorite movies are on this list.
Nice selection.
I'll take Flash Gordon over the Star Wars series.
I saw Flash Gordon, Raiders and Krull in the cinema. I saw Dragonslayer, Clash of the Titans, and Excalibur at the drive-in. All before I was 10 because my parents really had no clue.
I sneak watched Conan at my grandparents on cable.