From King Arthur and the knights’ crusade for the Holy Grail to the Smurfs journey through the Forbidden Forest, a yarn about an epic quest always captivates. There’s something about an adventure that speaks to moviegoers young and old. And the zanier the journey, the better. The newest addition to this always entertaining genre stars those little adorable blue creatures – Smurfs: The Lost Village. Here are 10 movies that are all about the quest.
The Wizard of Oz (1939)
Rating: G
As well all know, all Dorothy wants is get back home. This is a classic adventure to share with kids, but remember, those flying monkeys are kind of scary. And that witch … yikes. Still, Toto, the cowardly lion, the tin woodman and the scarecrow make it all worthwhile.
Moana (2016)
Rating: PG
Moana leaves everything she knows – her home, her family, her friends – in order to search for Te Fiti and return her heart. Luckily, she’s accompanied by the demigod Maui and her rooster Heihei, who help her out and add to the fun. With Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson providing the voice of Maui and music from Lin Manuel Miranda, it’s a must-see.
Zootopia (2016)
What starts as a search for Mr. Otterton, a once mild mannered Otter, turns into so much more. Judy Hopps (a police bunny) along with Nick Wilde (a con-artist fox), go on an exciting journey through the various neighborhoods of Zootopia on the search for Mr. Otterton and the truth.
Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)
Rating: PG
One of the most iconic quests in cinematic history has to be Indiana Jones’ search for The Ark of the Covenant. This action packed adventure has inspired generations to go out looking for lost treasure. Plus, Harrison Ford is adorable.
The Princess Bride (1987)
Rating: PG
There are two quests in the classic The Princess Bride. Westley is searching for his beloved Princess Buttercup while Inigo Montoya searches for the man who killed his father. Lucky for them, both men are successful at completing their missions.
National Treasure (2004)
Rating: PG
It’s a race against time (and the bad guys) when Benjamin Franklin Gates (played by Nicholas Cage) goes on a quest to find the elusive and legendary Templar Treasure. Blending history with fun, Gates and his gang go on a dangerous journey following clues to find the “national treasure.”
Finding Nemo (2003)
Rating: G
It all started with Nemo, Pixar’s little lost clownfish who goes missing. In this classic, his dad Marlin (voiced by Albert Brooks), along with a forgetful fish named Dory (Ellen DeGeneres), trek through the sea to try to find the lost clown fish. Sharks, squids and a family of helpful sea turtles make the trip an unforgettable one.
Finding Dory (2016)
Rating: PG
The follow up to Finding Nemo finds Dory on her own journey. The blue-tang goes on an adventure in an attempt to be reunited with her parents who she hasn’t seen in years.
Pee-Wee's Big Adventure (1985)
Rating: PG
When Pee-Wee’s beautiful bike is stolen, he sets out across America to try recover it. He delights (and annoys) citizens across the states from the Alamo to roadside diners.
Wreck-It Ralph (2012)
Rating: PG
All Wreck-It Ralph wants is a medal. But this simple yearning becomes far more complicated when he enters the worlds of other video games from Hero’s Duty to Sugar Rush.
