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Movies in the adventure and suspense genre tend to get our hearts racing with the fast-paced action and the mysterious wilderness setting. No one knows what will pop up on the screen from which direction to startle their senses. Whether it’s a quest to unearth lost treasures, or a journey to find the center of the earth, the best jungle movies always have loads of entertainment for the audiences in store.
Some might think this genre is a little over-explored with various movies finding their own jungle to get lost in, but the charm of having an unknown wild adventure never ceases to amuse. It’s always fun to see filmmakers come up with an engaging backstory and hilarious characters to make the jungle adventure movie one heck of a ride. Fans of this genre find comfort in such forest movies and strive to live vicariously through them. There's no shortage of the best adventure movies that heavily use the jungle setting to tell their fun and exciting stories. Which are the ones worth seeing at least once?
25 'George of the Jungle' (1997)
Directed by Sam Weisman
Image via Disney
Acting as a parody of other jungle-living characters like Tarzan, George of the Jungle is a wild comedy that sees Brendan Fraser as the titular George, a man who has lived his life raised by animals in the African jungle. As poachers find themselves entering the jungle in search of its resources, it becomes up to George to defend the jungle from all who plan to destroy it. Things soon get complicated when George ends up falling for Ursula (Leslie Mann), an heiress from San Francisco who is already set to marry a spoiled man named Lyle van de Groot (Thomas Haden Church).
Acting as a comedic parody of other jungle adventure films, George of the Jungle has a much more lighthearted and nonsensical take on its characters and plot, leaning into the absurdity of a boy growing up in the jungle. The film manages to perfectly capture the same wild energy of the George of the Jungle cartoon, fully committing for the sake of comedy over everything else. It helps that Fraser has a knack for comedy, giving a performance that greatly elevates the film into being one of the most iconic family films of the 90s.
Release Date July 16, 1997
Director Sam Weisman
Runtime 92 minutes
24 'Anaconda' (1997)
Directed by Luis Llosa
Image via Columbia Pictures
In Anaconda, documentary filmmaker Terri Flores, played by Jennifer Lopez, leads a crew on a perilous mission to find a lost tribe. Their journey takes a deadly turn when they encounter the enigmatic Paul Serone (Jon Voight), who harbors a sinister secret — he's hunting a monstrous, legendary anaconda. As the crew ventures deeper into the jungle, they become unwitting prey for the giant snake. While the film would receive a wide array of various sequels over the years, this original film still easily stands out as the most well-put-together and most charming of the franchise.
Viewers should prepare for heart-stopping moments when the anaconda's terrifying power is unleashed, coiling around unsuspecting victims and launching a relentless attack. Despite the mixed reviews, Anaconda is a jungle adventure classic for a good reason. This campy gem offers a unique blend of suspense and humor, garnering a devoted following. With a gripping plot, memorable (if slightly cheesy) performances, and a truly unforgettable serpent, Anaconda is a must-watch for fans of both adventure and horror movies who appreciate a good dose of camp. – Jom Elauria
Anaconda
Release Date April 11, 1997
Director Luis Llosa
Runtime 90minutes
23 'Lara Croft: Tomb Raider' (2001)
Directed by Simon West
Image via Paramount Pictures
Based on the best-selling video game franchise, Lara Croft: Tomb Raider sees the titular hero discovering a mysterious clock in her family mansion. This propels her to go on a global treasure hunt, leading her to search for two halves of an ancient artifact called the Triangle of Light, which is rumored to grant control over time. While more recent Tomb Raider films tackle the more grounded and serious entries in the franchise, this original film fully embodies the chaotic fun time that came from the original Tomb Raider games.
Lara must decipher cryptic clues and navigate booby-trapped tombs to find the missing pieces. But a powerful secret society, the Illuminati, led by the cunning Manfred Powell, seeks the Triangle for their own nefarious purposes. Angelina Jolie entrances audiences as Lara, showcasing her acting skills as an action star. While there’s a lot left to be desired with the generic plot, the impressive stunts and incredible performances are more than enough to entice viewers. – Jom Elauria
Lara Croft: Tomb Raider
Release Date June 15, 2001
Runtime 100 Minutes
22 'Dora and the Lost City of Gold' (2019)
Directed by James Bobin
Dora and the Lost City of Gold is a heartwarming coming-of-age adventure focusing on the beloved children’s cartoon character. In it, Dora (Isabela Merced) is a bright and adventurous teenager who finds herself out of her element in high school. When news arrives that her parents are missing in the Amazon, Dora jumps at the chance to rescue them. Joined by her tech-savvy cousin Diego (Jeff Wahlberg) and a group of classmates who soon become unlikely allies, Dora embarks on a dangerous journey of self-discovery.
The fun recent Nickelodeon movie is more than just a kids' film as it’s a worthy live-action adaptation of the iconic character. It’s entertaining to both young viewers and nostalgic adults, with Moner fully embodying the character of Dora. Its strange and chaotically satirical sense of humor seemingly directly caters to jaded younger audiences who only loosely grew up with the children's show. The movie’s vibrant visuals, engaging storyline, and witty humor create a fun and memorable experience for audiences of all ages. – Jom Elauria
Dora and the Lost City of Gold
Release Date August 8, 2019
Runtime 102 minutes
21 'Rugrats Go Wild' (2003)
Directed by John Eng and Norton Virgien
Rugrats Go Wild is an animated crossover movie that brings together the beloved babies of Rugrats and the adventurous Thornberry family of The Wild Thornberrys. When the Pickles family vacation goes awry, their shipwreck on a deserted island leads to an unlikely friendship between the Rugrats and Eliza Thornberry. Together, they use their unique talents (talking to animals, diaper-clad ingenuity) to navigate the dangers of the jungle.
With both original television series being created by studio Klasky Csupo, it was only a matter of time before these iconic nicktoons would collaborate in a cinematic experience. From a mischievous leopard on the prowl to a volcanic eruption threatening their survival, the group faces challenges that test their courage and resourcefulness. While the plot of Rugrats Go Wild may not be the most complex, the true charm lies in the individual charm of the characters. It’s a heartwarming movie about friendship and family, all wrapped up in a thrilling jungle adventure. – Jom Elauria
Release Date June 13, 2003
Director Norton Virgien , John Eng
Runtime 81 Minutes
20 'Congo' (1995)
Directed by Frank Marshall
One of the more wild and over-the-top sci-fi adventure films that the 90s has to offer, Congo combines top-of-the-line practical effects and animatronics to bring to life a self-reflective story of humanity and cultural differences. The film sees an expedition team traveling into the deep African jungles in search of an elusive artifact, where they come across a mysterious land that has gone largely unexplored due to the dangerous apes that inhabit the area.
Congo has the signature charm and goofy energy that was present throughout 90s blockbusters as a whole, focusing more on wild entertainment value and pushing practical effects to their limits over the strength and originality of its story. Scenery-chewing performances from the likes of Tim Curry serve to only further amplify the strange yet undeniable charm that the film has. The practical effects and monkey performances still hold up wonderfully in the modern day, cementing this as one of the quintessential' monkey movies of the 90s.
Release Date June 9, 1995
Runtime 109 Minutes
19 'The Lost City of Z' (2016)
Directed by James Gray
Image Via Amazon
A biographical adventure based on a real-life story, The Lost City of Z follows British explorer Percy Fawcett (Charlie Hunnam) as he journeys into the Amazon during the 1920s, finding evidence of a previously undiscovered advanced civilization. However, in his various attempts to find this hidden civilization, he ends up getting completely lost and disappearing in the harsh Amazonian jungles multiple times. Percy soon finds himself completely obsessed with finding the lost city, hoping to etch his name in the history books by accomplishing the impossible.
While many other jungle adventure films are soaked in the fantasy of adventure and the thrill of discovery, The Lost City of Z takes a darker and more grounded approach, tackling the fractured psyche and ego of a man who cannot stop adventuring. It's one of the most unique executions of a jungle adventure film that deconstructs the entire essence behind the concept, as a deep exploration into the very act of adventuring itself. Even outside its subtext and dramatic tone, director James Gray knows how to make the film pop off the screen with top-notch visuals, capturing the pure beauty of the Amazon jungle.
Release Date April 21, 2017
Director James Gray
Runtime 141minutes
18 'Romancing the Stone' (1984)
Directed by Robert Zemeckis
Image via 20th Century Fox
Action and romance come together in the iconic '80s movie Romancing the Stone. In it, a cryptic treasure map falls into the hands of romance novelist Joan Wilder (Kathleen Turner). She then finds herself on a desperate mission to Colombia. With her kidnapped sister's life hanging in the balance, she teams up with the rugged adventurer Jack T. Colton (Michael Douglas). While the action and sense of adventure are top notch, the true highlight of the film is the inherent romance and charm amplified by the directing style of Robert Zemeckis.
The two must decipher ancient clues, navigate booby-trapped ruins, and outrun ruthless treasure hunters, all while fighting their growing attraction for each other. Praised for its blend of action and romance, plus plenty of laugh-out-loud moments, the film delivers a thrilling escape for viewers. Witty dialogue and engaging performances elevate the experience, securing Romancing the Stone a place among the great jungle adventure films of all time. – Jom Elauria
Romancing the Stone
Release Date March 30, 1984
Runtime 106 minutes
17 'Journey 2: The Mysterious Island' (2012)
Directed by Brad Peyton
An ambitious sequel to the 2008 blockbuster Journey to the Center of the Earth, this feature film stars wrestler-turned-actor Dwayne Johnson, Josh Hutcherson, and Vanessa Hudgens, who set out in response to a cryptic signal received from deep within the forest. They venture in pursuit of Sean’s lost grandfather, who is thought to be missing on a mythical and mysterious island filled with dangerous creatures from the depths of imagination.
Both movies are adapted from epic stories written by Jules Verne. Watch Journey 2: The Mysterious Island for golden comedy, amusing sequences, and obviously the awesome Dwayne Johnson. The film still holds an important place in Dwayne's filmography as one of the first true blockbuster successes that launched his capabilities as a leading action-adventure star. Its cheesy comedy and formulaic plot aren't for cinephiles, but it's likely one of the guilty pleasure movies that some viewers watch for an uplifted mood.
Journey 2: The Mysterious Island
Release Date February 12, 2012
Runtime 94minutes
16 'Uncharted' (2022)
Directed by Ruben Fleischer
Image via Sony
Starring Tom Holland and Mark Wahlberg, Uncharted follows the undiscovered ventures of Ferdinand Magellan with a desire to find the lost treasure. Existing fans of the game were very excited to see a feature film explore the world of the beloved game, but Uncharted's adaptation turned out to be nothing like the source material. The film instead takes more inspiration from other jungle adventure blockbusters, creating a half-decent buddy comedy better between Holland and Wahlberg in the process.
While Holland managed to capture Nate's charm, wit, humor, and heart in a way that was uniquely his own, it couldn't make up for the boring plot, missed opportunities, and questionable deviations from the game's story that the creators decided to include. Even with its issues, the film managed to find a great deal of success at the worldwide box office, guaranteeing a sequel down the line. Still, for fans looking for a mindless flick on a boring night, Uncharted offers its fair share of fun action sequences, but not much else.
Uncharted
Release Date February 18, 2022
Runtime 116 minutes
15 'The Lost City' (2022)
Directed by Adam Nee and Aaron Nee
Image via Paramount
Nestled in the plot of the adventure movie The Lost City is a romantic arc that brings together an author and her cover model who goes overlooked otherwise. This modern take on the genre finds Sandra Bollock and Channing Tatum in the wild with an evil Daniel Radcliffe hampering their every move. The unlikely pair must learn to work together if they hope to survive long enough to find the treasure. The film has a sense of charm and style from a romantic adventure film that is rarely seen among films in the 2020s, making for a pleasant and refreshing experience for modern audiences.
The wild plot certainly managed to capture the attention of the viewers, even though most of the jokes didn't land. The Lost City reels you in with the mystic fonts and the legend of a hidden treasure that delighted the kings and queens for centuries, even if many of these hooks are unfortunately predictable clichés. If for nothing else, the movie is a perfect watch just for the unexpected Brad Pitt cameo.
Release Date March 25, 2022
Director Adam Nee , Aaron Nee
Runtime 112 Minutes
14 'Kong: Skull Island' (2017)
Directed by Jordan Vogt-Roberts
Image via Warner Bros. Pictures
While most of the stories that introduce King Kong end up traveling to the jungle for a part of the story, the vast majority of them have their ending climax with Kong in a major metropolitan city, an aspect that isn't shared by Kong: Skull Island. The film follows a team of explorers who end up discovering the titular gigantic ape while on a journey to the treacherous primordial island. As they attempt to make more discoveries and make it off the island alive, the wide variety of prehistoric life on the island proves to be much deadlier than anticipated.
Kong: Skull Island is one of the most inspired takes on a story about the most iconic ape in cinema history, oozing with 80s action movie energy and featuring an array of A-list stars including Tom Hiddleston, Samuel L. Jackson, John Goodman, and John C. Reilly. The film blends exceptional action and top-notch visual spectacles to make for one of the most exciting and jaw-dropping blockbusters of recent memory. Even years later, the film is still widely considered to be the absolute peak of quality from the Monsterverse.
Release Date March 10, 2017
Runtime 2hours
13 'Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull' (2008)
Directed by Steven Spielberg
Image via Paramount Pictures
The fourth installment in the beloved adventure franchise, Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull follows the exhilarating journey of the titular archaeologist (Harrison Ford), who pursues an artifact with immense power. Alongside an old flame, Marion Ravenwood (Karen Allen), Indy travels to the depths of the forests of Peru before being captured and taken to the Amazon. While previous entries in the franchise saw Indy travel to various desert and ancient locales, Kingdom of the Crystal Skull has a distinct jungle theme to its wild adventure.
Although not the best in the massive Indiana Jones franchise, The Kingdom of the Crystal Skull still offers exciting action and gut-busting humor for fans who love the character. It’s also just nostalgic to revisit the legendary films now that its final installment had its disappointing premiere. If anything, The Kingdom of the Crystal Skull is worth watching just for that one epic motorcycle scene, showing that even when he isn't at his best Spielberg still has the ability to charm and enchant as a filmmaker.
Release Date May 22, 2008
Runtime 122 Minutes
12 'Hunt for the Wilderpeople' (2016)
Directed by Taika Waititi
Image via Madman Films
While Taika Waititi is more commonly recognized for his blockbuster films like Thor: Ragnarök or his award-winning film, Jojo Rabbit, one of his most underappreciated yet greatest directorial outings is Hunt for the Wilderpeople. The film sees defiant young Ricky (Julian Dennison) on the run from his cantankerous foster uncle (Sam Neill), managing to get the both of them lost in the vast New Zealand bush. With a national manhunt searching for the two of them, they are forced to put aside their differences and team up in order to survive the harsh environment.
The New Zealand bush is one of the most unexplored yet deeply effective settings when it comes to jungle adventure films, making for the perfect backdrop for this abstract and chaotic coming-of-age venture. Dennison and Neill have a palpable chemistry with one another and show a genuine bond by the film's end, giving the distinct heartwarming energy and warmth that makes Waititi such a beloved filmmaker.
Release Date March 31, 2016
Runtime 101minutes
11 'Jungle Cruise' (2021)
Directed by Jaume Collet-Serra
Jungle Cruise was highly anticipated as it brought two very talented and amazing actors together on screen – Emily Blunt and Dwayne Johnson. In this adventurous escapade, fans see a doctor and her brother embark on a trip to the lush Amazon forests to find a lost tree with supposed magical powers, complained by a charming local boat captain as they travel down river. The film harkens back to classic action adventure films like The Mummy and Pirates of the Caribbean to create a fun, blockbuster adventure.
Of course, their journey has hindrances caused by evil villains who want to use the tree for their malicious purposes and spread their villainous agenda. Jungle Cruise is a fun way to enjoy the marvelous setting and get lost in the world of the Amazon. Don't expect any innovative twists or brilliant writing, though, as it's a basic jungle adventure movie that doesn't try to be anything else. For those looking for a family-friendly flick, this is the perfect one – enjoy it enough and there's a sequel available to watch, too!
Release Date July 28, 2021
Runtime 127
10 'Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind' (1984)
Directed by Hayao Miyazaki
Image by Toei
While many people often think of live-action ventures when considering the best jungle adventure films, Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind is one of the best examples of how a jungle adventure story can be told in the world of animation. The film follows the story of the mythical Valley of the Wind, one of the last remaining strongholds on earth that has been untouched by a poisonous jungle that has spread across the planet following a global war. In a last-ditch effort for the sake of humanity, the courageous Princess Nausicaä finds herself engaged in a battle to restore Earth to its former glory.
Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind is one of the first films by Studio Ghibli and director Hayao Miyazaki, yet their signature style and filmmaking prowess were still on full display early in their career. The film has one of the most beautiful and mesmerizing landscapes in animation history, weaving together a deeply intricate post-apocalyptic world that is brimming not just with originality, but with deeper meaning in every hand-drawn frame. The film is sadly overlooked compared to the wide variety of other masterpieces from Miyazaki, which is a shame considering just how well one of hist first cinematic outings holds up.
Release Date March 11, 1984
Cast Sumi Shimamoto , Gorô Naya , Yôji Matsuda
Runtime 117 Minutes
9 'Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle' (2017)
Directed by Jake Kasdan
Image via Sony Pictures Releasing
Even with a simple plot, Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle is so hilarious that it's impossible not to laugh. The film embraces the ridiculous concept of being sucked into a video game – which the original Jumanji game transformed into to fit modern times – but never insults the intelligence of the audience. Adult avatars from the present play alongside other players stuck in the game since the '90s, and they all desperately try to escape.
Featuring Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart, Jack Black, Karen Gillan, and a sweet cameo by Nick Jonas, this film is an action extravaganza made to entertain. It does take inspiration from the vintage classic Jumanji game but comes out with a clearer direction and plot that allows it to distinguish itself from the classic 90s family film. Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle may not live up to its predecessors, but there's no denying it's at least decently entertaining.
Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle
Release Date December 5, 2017
Director Jake Kasdan
Runtime 119 Minutes
8 'Tropic Thunder' (2008)
Directed by Ben Stiller
Image via Paramount Pictures
Tropic Thunder has failings, but at its core, it is an absurd and deliciously wicked satire movie that exposes everything that is wrong with Hollywood. Parodying many classic films based on the Vietnam War, Tropic Thunder follows a group of obnoxious actors shooting their own war movie. When their director accidentally dies in an accident after leaving them in a jungle, the actors have to use what little skills they have to make it out alive.
Tropic Thunder is packed with hilarious and endlessly quotable lines, as well as two scene-stealing performances by Matthew McConaughey and Tom Cruise. The film expertly plays into the chaos and difficulties of Hollywood culture of the era to create one of the twenty-first century's defining satires. Some of the best comedians and actors of the twenty-first century kicked off the century with a bang in this massive ensemble production that lived up to the hype at the time of its release and is still beloved by fans today.
Release Date August 13, 2008
Runtime 107 minutes
7 'Avatar' (2009)
Directed by James Cameron
Image via 20th Century Studios
Many jungle adventure stories find themselves centered around the vast and intricate jungles of Earth, yet the most successful and highest-grossing film of all time is arguable a jungle adventure film, it just happens to be on an interplanetary jungle. James Cameron's sci-fi masterpiece Avatar takes place in the beautiful and mesmerizing world of Pandora, a moon brimming with luscious wildlife and its own ecosystem of unbelievable alien creatures. Marine Jake Sully finds himself inhabiting one of these alien bodies in his traversal of the alien world, getting acclimated with their culture and customs in the process.
The vast jungles of Pandora still hold up as some of the most beautiful landscapes and highest bars in terms of what is technologically possible in terms of computer-generated worlds in film. Especially when combined with the mesmerizing 3D effects, Pandora seamlessly transitions off of the screen into a beautiful display of nature and sci-fi mastery. While the story behind Avatar itself has been largely criticized over the years for being basic and similar to other pro-environmentalism films, the masterful visuals keep people coming back to experience Pandora again and again.
Release Date December 18, 2009
Director James Cameron
Runtime 162 minutes
6 'King Kong' (2005)
Directed by Peter Jackson
Image via Universal Pictures
King Kong has been remade multiple times by different filmmakers with more diverse perspectives on the portrayal of the magnificent Gorilla aka King Kong. Peter Jackson's approach to the story set out to amplify the spectacle and blockbuster feel of the film, transforming the original sense of excitement and awe that audiences felt decades ago for modern audiences. The movie follows Carl Denham and his crew as they come across a giant ape on Skull Island and imprison it in order to bring it to New York. They run into trouble when the giant ape is released into the city.
A fantastic and exciting film on the whole, King Kong's plot is epic, with more action and new astounding creatures. This remake contains more action than the original, and obviously maximizes CGI (even though it hasn't aged entirely well). While definitely not director Peter Jackson's best work (an honor that remains with the Lord of the Rings trilogy), it's a decent enough modern adaptation of the classic story.
King Kong
Release Date December 14, 2005
Runtime 187 minutes
English (US) ·