Adventure movies have grazed the silver screen since the silent era, yet even then they were filled with on-going sequences of drama and excitement that took you right along for the roller coaster ride of an adventure. The main character (a created protagonist or an actual figure from history) and his loyal companions were always faced with a quest that needed to be made or a challenge that had to be overcome. It wouldn’t be easy. A classic combination of dangerous terrains were to be crossed and trespassed, complicated puzzles had to be solved, traps were set to greet them around various corners turned and they had to evade them; but in the end, the reward was always great. Whether it was a hidden treasure found, winning the heart of the leading lady or the main character finding something that meant much to their personal happiness and well being, something inside of themselves.These films serve up the exciting tales and allow audiences to experience them too, as they cheer on altruistic, ever so courageous heroes and heroines.
Genre Mashing and Adventure Movies
Adventure movies have often been mixed in with other genres, specifically action movies. This is easily done, as these two genres share numerous similarities. Both are generally intense and packed with fun and fast moving sequences. However, adventure movies contain less violence and any fighting scenes are done without much bloodshed and may appear more choreographed. They are entertaining, but easier to watch.
Adventure movies have been animated and live action, and both work well with this popular genre of film that appeals to all age groups, genders and are typically appropriate for families. The majority of family films are adventure movies that fall into different sub genres. Popular sub genres and stereotypes that have been used with adventure films include:
- Comedy or spoof
- Sci-fi and fantasy
- Disaster
- Epics
- Treasure hunts
- Heroic quests
- Explorations
- Time travel
- Building of empires
- Destinies fulfilled
- Damsels in distress
- Literary, historic and action heroes
- Social Injustice
- Battles (as opposed to street fights more commonly associated with action films)
- Major Rebellions
- Outlaws
- Pirates
- Knights
Popular Place Settings for Adventure Movies
Looking for an escape? Adventure movies were made to give you just that! Since their beginning, adventure movies have taken movie watchers around the world without them having to leave their seats. The exact locales change from film to film, but the general settings have remained the same:
Time – historic periods to modern day to the future
- A Major City
- Exotic locales
- Lost continents
- Jungles/ Wilderness
- Underground/Caves and coves
- Deserts
- Historic locations
- Alternate universes
- The high seas
Adventure shows are the perfect theater or rental choice for going it alone, with a group of friends or a family night. There’s never a dull moment with these films; and because many are developed from books, they’re perfect for those who don’t have the time to read the adventures.
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