Demanding monumental and period-accurate productions while also incorporating lively stories of momentum, excitement, and, in some cases, dramatic gravitas, historical adventure movies mark a high point of filmmaking prowess and cinematic exuberance. The very best of them stand not only as rollicking and entertaining feats of the form, but as some of the most iconic and universally adored movies ever made.
Ranging from grueling voyages set in ancient times to jovial tales of rebellion, tyranny, and bravery in the Middle Ages, and even globe-trotting blockbusters set in slightly more recent times, these historical adventure classics illustrate the genre’s majesty and might. From modern sensations to enduring classics of Old Hollywood, all of them are essential viewing for all who love a production of ambition and awe, and a movie of astonishment, amazement, and adventurous bravado.
10
‘The Odyssey’ (2026)
Image via Universal Pictures
Time will tell whether recency bias has played a role in The Odyssey’s immediate sensationalism or if it is genuinely one of the greatest historical adventure epics ever made. However, given the next most recent film to feature on this list was released in 2000, it is fair to say Christopher Nolan’s latest movie scratches an itch many moviegoers haven’t scratched for a very long time. An adaptation of Homer’s epic poem, it follows Odysseus (Matt Damon) and his soldiers as they venture home after the Trojan War, clashing with mythic beasts and deadly obstacles on the voyage.
In true Nolan fashion, The Odyssey excels as a spectacle of palpable realism that leaves viewers stupefied and amazed. Sequences like the encounter with the Cyclops Polyphemus (Bill Irwin), the meeting with the deceitful witch Circe (Samantha Morton), and the depiction of the invasion of Troy are astonishing for their craft, scale, and detail. Complimented by the IMAX cinematography, absorbing production design, and the sheer brilliance of the ensemble cast, The Odyssey is a grueling adventure that immerses viewers in the mythos of Ancient Greece.
9
‘The Man Who Would Be King’ (1975)
Image via Allied Artists
Not only a rollicking historical adventure, but something of an underrated gem of epic cinema as well, The Man Who Would Be King enthralls viewers in its playful tone while depicting a subdued thematic observation of the impact of imperialism. Starring Sean Connery and Michael Caine, it follows two former British soldiers exploring India in the 1880s when they discover Kafiristan. Received as kings and even gods, the two men begin to settle into a new lifestyle of power and luxury, but their opportunistic ambition soon leads to greater issues.
Masterfully handled by veteran director John Huston and based on Rudyard Kipling’s esteemed short story, The Man Who Would Be King strikes an impeccable balance between inviting viewers on the gleeful escapades of the two leads and serving as a cautionary tale of power, manipulation, and colonialist hubris. Anchored by the brilliance of Connery and Caine as two charismatic scoundrels, the somewhat forgotten historical adventure movie captures both the delight and darkness the genre can represent.
8
‘Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon’ (2000)
<source media="(max-width: 1023px)" data-srcset="https://static0.colliderimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/crouching-tiger-hidden-dragon-2000-2.jpg?q=49&fit=crop&w=825&dpr=2" srcset="https://static0.colliderimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/crouching-tiger-hidden-dragon-2000-2.jpg?q=49&fit=crop;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;a
…
…
…
…
…
