Are you craving heart-pounding excitement from the comfort of your couch? Netflix‘s collection of adventure movies offers the perfect escape into worlds of daring expeditions, survival stories, and breathtaking journeys. From documentaries that showcase human endurance to epic tales of exploration, these films will satisfy your wanderlust and inspire your adventurous spirit.
Table of Contents
Quick Overview: Top Adventure Movies on Netflix
| Movie Title | Year | Type | Rating | Adventure Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14 Peaks: Nothing Is Impossible | 2021 | Documentary | 9/10 | Extreme |
| Our Planet II | 2023 | Nature Documentary | 9/10 | High |
| Taith Galed: A Hard Journey | 2023 | Documentary | 8/10 | High |
| The Climb | 2020 | Drama/Comedy | 8/10 | Moderate |
| Jurassic World | 2015 | Action/Adventure | 7/10 | High |
| The Old Guard | 2020 | Action/Adventure | 7/10 | High |
| Bird Box | 2018 | Thriller/Adventure | 7/10 | Moderate |
| Extraction | 2020 | Action/Adventure | 8/10 | Extreme |
| The Gray Man | 2022 | Action/Adventure | 7/10 | High |
| Red Notice | 2021 | Action/Adventure | 7/10 | Moderate |
1. 14 Peaks: Nothing Is Impossible (2021)
This extraordinary documentary follows Nepalese climber Nirmal “Nims” Purja as he attempts to summit all 14 of the world’s highest mountains in just seven months—a feat that typically takes years. The film not only showcases incredible mountaineering but also highlights the often-overlooked contributions of Sherpa climbers in high-altitude expeditions.
Why Watch: Raw human determination meets stunning cinematography in this record-breaking adventure that will leave you breathless.
2. Our Planet II (2023)
David Attenborough returns with this mesmerizing four-part nature documentary series that explores Earth’s remaining wilderness areas. From dense rainforests to frozen tundras, witness the incredible adventures of wildlife in their natural habitats while learning about conservation efforts.
Why Watch: Perfect for armchair adventurers who want to experience the planet’s most remote locations without leaving home.
3. Taith Galed: A Hard Journey (2023)
This compelling 22-minute documentary captures Will Renwick’s solo attempt to climb all 189 mountains in Wales in one continuous, self-supported journey. Carrying all his camping gear, Renwick’s adventure showcases the beauty of Welsh landscapes and the power of human endurance.
Why Watch: A testament to determination and the beauty of the UK’s rugged terrain.
4. The Climb (2020)
A unique blend of comedy and adventure, this film follows two friends whose relationship is tested during challenging cycling adventures through the French Alps. It’s both hilarious and heartwarming, showing how friendships evolve through shared adventures.
Why Watch: Perfect mix of outdoor adventure and genuine emotion with stunning Alpine scenery.
5. Jurassic World (2015)
Return to Isla Nublar for this modern dinosaur adventure that combines cutting-edge CGI with classic monster movie thrills. When genetically modified dinosaurs escape containment, visitors must survive on an island where they’ve become the prey.
Why Watch: High-octane adventure with spectacular visual effects and non-stop action.
6. The Old Guard (2020)
Follow a covert group of immortal mercenaries led by Charlize Theron as they fight to protect their secret while taking on dangerous missions across the globe. This action-packed adventure blends supernatural elements with modern warfare.
Why Watch: Unique premise with excellent fight choreography and global locations.
7. Bird Box (2018)
In this post-apocalyptic thriller starring Sandra Bullock, survivors must navigate a world where seeing mysterious entities means certain death. The film follows a perilous river journey where sight becomes the enemy and survival depends on other senses.
Why Watch: Psychological tension meets survival adventure in this gripping Netflix original.
8. Extraction (2020)
Chris Hemsworth stars as a black-market mercenary tasked with rescuing a drug lord’s kidnapped son from the streets of Bangladesh. This intense action-adventure features some of the most impressive fight sequences and chase scenes on Netflix.
Why Watch: Non-stop action with incredible stunt work and exotic locations.
9. The Gray Man (2022)
Based on the bestselling novel, this globe-trotting thriller follows a CIA operative (Ryan Gosling) hunted by his former colleague (Chris Evans) across multiple countries. From Prague to Bangkok, it’s an international adventure filled with spectacular action sequences.
Why Watch: Star-studded cast meets high-budget action across stunning international locations.
10. Red Notice (2021)
Dwayne Johnson, Ryan Reynolds, and Gal Gadot team up in this globe-spanning heist adventure. When an Interpol agent pursues the world’s most wanted art thief, alliances shift and double-crosses abound across exotic locations.
Why Watch: Fun, lighthearted adventure with A-list chemistry and beautiful cinematography.
What Makes These Adventure Movies Special?
These films excel because they combine several key elements that define great adventure cinema:
- Authentic Human Stories: Each movie showcases real human emotions and relationships tested under extreme circumstances
- Stunning Locations: From mountain peaks to exotic cities, these films transport viewers to breathtaking destinations
- Edge-of-Your-Seat Action: Whether it’s natural disasters, dangerous expeditions, or high-stakes missions, the tension never lets up
- Inspirational Themes: Many of these stories celebrate human resilience, courage, and the drive to explore beyond our limits
Adventure movies on Netflix continue to evolve, offering everything from intimate documentaries about personal challenges to blockbuster spectacles with global appeal. Whether you prefer true stories of human endurance or fictional tales of daring escapades, this collection provides the perfect starting point for your next viewing adventure.
Ready for more entertainment content? Explore our comprehensive movie reviews and recommendations for the latest in streaming entertainment.
Sources: Netflix Official Adventure Movies | Rotten Tomatoes Adventure Movies
FAQs
Q: Are these adventure movies suitable for family viewing?
Most of these adventure movies have varying age ratings and content warnings. Family-friendly options include “Our Planet II” and “Taith Galed,” which focus on nature and personal achievement without violence. Action-adventure films like “The Old Guard,” “Extraction,” and “Bird Box” contain intense violence and may not be suitable for younger viewers. Always check Netflix’s rating system and parental guidance before family viewing. For documentaries like “14 Peaks,” while inspiring, they do show dangerous mountaineering situations that might be intense for sensitive viewers.
Q: Which adventure movie should I watch first if I’m new to the genre?
For newcomers to adventure movies, start with “14 Peaks: Nothing Is Impossible” – it’s a documentary that showcases real human achievement without fictional violence, making it accessible yet thrilling. If you prefer fictional adventures, “Red Notice” offers a perfect introduction with its light tone, star power, and globe-trotting excitement without being too intense. “Our Planet II” is ideal for those who want adventure through nature exploration, while “The Climb” provides a unique blend of adventure and comedy. These entry points offer the excitement of adventure films while being approachable for viewers who might find pure action films overwhelming.
