10 Greatest Adventure Horror Movies
Adventure and horror might seem like polar opposites, but put them together and they create a thrilling cinematic experience. Since both genres were conceived in the early days of filmmaking, they’ve captivated audiences and become huge sensations not only in theaters but in our pop culture. They’re two of the most entertaining forms of storytelling, thriving especially now thanks to all the exciting and terrifying classics made over the years.
Today, we’re thankful to have some of the best adventure horror movies ever. The following are considered the most iconic and beloved films of this style. They’ve amazed us with their thrilling tales of characters going on exciting quests to different lands and even new worlds, then horrified us by featuring monsters, mayhem, and eerie suspense. For the thrill-seekers and horror buffs wanting to escape to a world of terror and fun, these ten are certainly right for you.
10
‘Annihilation’ (2018)
Alex Garland has steadily risen to one of the industry’s most talented and capable filmmakers, as his career is full of memorable highlights that have stuck with cinemagoers. One of his most celebrated and widely discussed efforts is Annihilation, a cosmic sci-fi horror adventure film from 2018 that’s slowly becoming a modern classic thanks to its jaw-dropping visuals, mind-boggling themes, and unrelenting intensity.
Starring Oscar winner Natalie Portman, it takes viewers on a wild, bizarre journey as a group of female scientists brave countless dangers on a rescue mission in a strange, mutated section of America that’s changed drastically as a result of a crashed meteorite carrying an alien pathogen. Annihilation is booming with creativity and unimaginable horrors, featuring gorgeous yet terrifying imagery that makes it an unforgettable experience. It may be unyielding, but it is also undeniably rewarding as a pure, thrilling experience.
9
‘World War Z’ (2013)
For true zombie lovers, 2013’s World War Z offers something more action-packed. This globe-trotting thriller from director Marc Forster is a pulse-pounding race against time that, unlike other zombie films that came before it, shows a devastating zombie apocalypse on a truly grand, horrifying scale.
It follows the perilous journey of Gerry Lane (Brad Pitt), a former U.N. investigator violently pulled out of retirement as he races across the planet to trace the origins of a wide-priding zombie epidemic and potentially find a cure. It’s a big-budget Hollywood blockbuster with non-stop action that moves viewers from one fascinating location to the next. While it’s not entirely perfect, it’s an epic journey that’ll satisfy any of you undead fans out there.
8
‘Brotherhood of the Wolf’ (2001)
2001’s Brotherhood of the Wolf is one of the most unusual and creative action-horror films of the 21st century. Directed by Christophe Gans and hailing from France, it’s a unique mix of terror and excitement that blends action, history, horror, and surprising martial arts all into a two and a half hour epic journey.
Based on the legend of the beast of Gévaudan, it follows the Chevalier Grégoire de Fronsac (Samuel Le Bihan) and his Native American bloodbrother Mani (Marc Dacoscos) as they’re sent by the king to investigate a series of brutal animal attacks in a rural mountain region. Slowly and rather shockingly, they uncover that it’s more than just random killings. What makes it so fascinating is how unshackled it is to one genre. It can be enjoyed by anyone, especially those who would appreciate excellent fight choreography, stunts, and memorable performances.
7
‘The Descent’ (2005)
Films like 2005’s The Descent prove there are some places on our planet we were never meant to explore. Directed by Neil Marshall, it’s a purely intense, claustrophobic survival flick with ramping terror, brutal violence, and shocking suspense so powerful that it’s led it to become one of the most terrifying horror films of this century.
Following a terrible tragedy, a group of women goes on a cave exploration trip through the deep caverns of the Appalachian Mountains. But when one of the women intentionally leads the group into an uncharted system that eventually traps them, they’re left to fight for their lives as they’re picked off gruesomely by cave-dwelling mutants. The Descent can fill you with immense dread as you follow these women on a nightmarish journey, racing to the surface while trapped in the dark with flesh-hungry creatures. By the end, it’s enough to leave anyone sleeping with lights on at night.
6
‘The Mummy’ (1999)
Stephen Summers‘ beloved The Mummy is arguably the most fun anyone will have when reliving 1990s cinema. It’s a non-stop blast of excitement, featuring a timeless feel of escapism that’s sadly missing in today’s films, when all it took to put movie-goers in seats was a simple tale of likable characters seeking fortunes and saving the day.
It follows an American treasure hunter as he accompanies a meek librarian to a lost Egyptian burial site where she unintentionally resurrects a magical undead priest who intends to bring his dead lover back to life and take over the world. Although it doesn’t do anything new to stand out, The Mummy has surprisingly become legendary today for its endless charm and lovable performances. It thankfully doesn’t take itself seriously and just wants to thrill you with a sense of adventure and occasional scary moments.
5
‘Army of Darkness’ (1992)
From one of the all-time greatest horror directors, Sam Raimi, comes his brilliant transition into action/adventure territory with the darkly hilarious third installment to his impressive Evil Dead trilogy, Army of Darkness. Today, it’s considered one of the enjoyably over-the-top horror cult classics and can satisfy any fans of adventure and horror.
Returning to his legendary role, the always enjoyable Bruce Campbell shines as the cocky S-Mart employee Ash Williams, who goes on a medieval quest back in time to fulfill his destiny as the chosen one and end the evil conjured up from the book of the dead once and for all. While it’s not as scary as its previous entries, Army of Darkness trades dread and disgusting bodily horrors for a lighthearted adventure that’s wildly absurd and full of laugh-out-loud comedy. It’s a real blast that gets more enjoyable with every rewatch.
4
‘Predator’ (1987)
John McTiernan, the thrilling mind behind some of your most beloved action masterpieces like Die Hard and The Hunt for Red October, invites you on an action-packed adventure through the jungles of Central America with 1987’s Predator. Iconic, quotable, and arguably one of the most thrilling horror films in history, Predator is a rollercoaster ride of excitement that’ll keep you hooked from start to finish.
1980s action icon Arnold Schwarzenegger and the late Carl Weathers lead an epic, muscle-bound ensemble as a group of elite U.S. special forces soldiers sent on a rescue mission in a fictional country. In an isolated jungle valley, they are stalked by a deadly alien hunter that’s targeting them for sport. Predator is one of the best examples of blending genres to create something unique and profoundly entertaining. It’ll have you constantly coming back for more terror and fun and will likely continue to do so for decades to come.
3
‘Aliens’ (1986)
James Cameron‘s Aliens is an action-packed crowd-pleaser that’s widely considered the ultimate sci-fi action horror movie in history. It’s the sequel to Ridley Scott‘s terrifying masterpiece Alien, except here it takes things to all new extremes as it goes bigger, bolder, and exceptionally more intense.
Starring Sigourney Weaver in an Oscar-nominated performance, Aliens follows the sole survivor of the Nostromo, Ellen Ripley, as she faces her old xenomorph foes once again while partaking in a rescue mission to a colony infested with these ferocious beasts. The film takes a significant leap towards action while not forgetting its horror roots. It takes audiences on a dangerous, sometimes terrifying journey that’s undoubtedly going to keep them cheering from beginning to end.
2
‘King Kong’ (1933)
Perhaps the most groundbreaking adventure horror classic, the 1933 original King Kong has had an enduring effect on the art of filmmaking. It was a technical and storytelling achievement that truly showed the awesome power of special effects, and today it stands as a benchmark for both genres.
It tells the classic tale of an ambitious film crew as they sail to a mysterious island forgotten by time. Soon, it becomes a quest to save their beautiful leading lady when she’s kidnapped by the locals and given as an offering to the island’s apex predator, a colossal ape named Kong. While its stop-motion effects might seem dated by today’s standards, King Kong blew audiences away in its time, becoming a massive box office hit and leaving a lasting impact on pop culture.
1
‘Jaws’ (1975)
At number one is the ultimate summer blockbuster, the groundbreaking film that defined what it means to be an adventure horror classic and made an entire generation terrified of the ocean. Directed by the great Steven Spielberg, 1975’s Jaws is a timeless thrill ride that’s only gotten better with age.
Starring a legendary trio of leading men — Robert Shaw, Roy Scheider, and Richard Dreyfuss — it follows an ichthyologist, a shark hunter, and a police chief on an adventure out in the high seas as men tasked with finding and killing the monstrous great white shark that’s been terrorizing a thriving beach community. Thrilling, intense, and unquestionably iconic, Jaws has amazed and scared audiences for generations, and possibly for many years to come.
