The 10 Best Family-Friendly Adventure Movies On HBO Max

With the holiday season approaching and families looking to spend some quality time together, HBO Max is a reliable source for entertainment. The service, known for its prestige television programs, also has a massive selection of both old and modern films, perfect for an afternoon for all ages.

Adventure films are great for kids, but many of the options on HBO Max also have appeal for parents. Whether it be from the nostalgic selection or the serious themes of their recent catalog, the streaming service has movies that everyone can enjoy!

The Adventures Of Sharkboy And Lavagirl (2005)

Robert Rodriguez has his name all over the genre of family-friendly adventure movies. Having recently been involved with Star Wars, and directing a number of fun 2000s movies such as The Adventures of Sharkboy and Lavagirl, the director definitely loves appealing to younger audiences as much as adults.

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Most of Robert Rodriguez’s movies are centered around action, and Sharkboy and Lavagirl delivers on it. The fun superhero adventure flick is great for kids, as it displays the power of imagination and creativity.

Hugo (2011)

Martin Scorsese isn’t exactly known for his child-friendly movies, but Hugo is a rare exception that proves the director is capable of anything. The 2011 film is a visual spectacle, following a child living under unfortunate circumstances. The film is as much of a love letter to the early art of cinema as it is a family adventure movie.

For movie lovers, and those hoping to instill the feeling of how magical art and cinema can be in their kids, Hugo is an excellent choice. The setting and characters are a far cry from the normal work of Scorsese, but it is definitely one of his most personal pieces.

The Legend Of Zorro (2005)

The 2000s had such a wealth of great action/adventure films for all ages that it’s easy for some to be forgotten. Among Harry Potter and Pirates of the Caribbean, smaller franchises like Zorro were also a ton of fun.

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HBO Max only has the second, and one of the less popular films in the Zorro franchise. The previous adaptations might offer more for parents, but The Legend of Zorro can still be a blast for kids, and Antonio Banderas is fantastic in the titular role.

Spy Kids (2001)

Growing up in the 2000s meant likely having seen a Spy Kids movie at least once. The franchise delivers a blend of exciting fantasy and adventure, as some of the best spy movies for kids, mixed with comedy that can be a lot of fun for kids. Parents will also likely recognize many of the well-known adult actors that line out the cast in each film.

These movies were impressive in terms of their special effects at the time, and are still a ton of fun. An important aspect of Spy Kids is that it’s celebrated for its representation of Latino characters, as well as its strong female roles.

The Secret Life Of Walter Mitty (2013)

While The Secret Life of Walter Mitty may not have intended to be a kids’ movie, it’s definitely a family film that focuses on finding the beauty in life. Ben Stiller isn’t as absurdly humorous as in his other roles, but the movie does offer fun, comedic moments to balance out with its core themes.

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The story has a lot to offer for all ages, displaying how massively wonderful the world can be. The Secret Life of Walter Mitty is not a fantasy world, but rather shows what kind of adventure can be had in the real world.

Shazam! (2019)

One of the most recent superheroes to make a name for himself on the big screen was Shazam. Most DC films can be found on HBO Max, but Shazam! is one of the best picks for a family movie watch, as the hero himself is a child who’s able to transform himself into an adult.

The concept seems fun, and the movie pulls it off exceptionally, delivering a story that’s hilarious, entertaining, and heartfelt. The movie is a perfect mix of entertainment for kids and superhero action for adults.

The Goonies (1985)

The iconic The Goonies is the definition of the family adventure film, as the ’80s classic is a major source of nostalgia, still finding its way into the lives of kids every year. Like an heirloom, this film is perfect to be passed down through families, from the parents who grew up loving it.

The film perfectly mixes humor and important values of friendship and belonging, for an experience that is constantly resonating with new audiences. The Goonies is a must-watch for a family gathering, as it’s one of the best movies about childhood friendship.

The Wizard Of Oz (1939)

The Wizard of Oz is one of the definitive films that everyone should see. The classic musical is a rich piece of cinematic history that still has values that hold up today. For fantasy and adventure, no film shows the magic of movie making like The Wizard of Oz.

The film has a ton of great messages for kids, with themes about home, family, and friendships. Despite being over 80 years old, The Wizard of Oz is still a major source of inspiration for artists and creative expression, as it has one of the best fictional movie settings.

The Lord Of The Rings Trilogy (2001-2003)

Another set of films everyone should see is The Lord of the Rings franchise movies. The classic trilogy, as well as The Hobbit films, are a ton of fun for the family. The Lord of the Rings trilogy seamlessly mixes action, humor, good nature, and incredible filmmaking for some of the greatest book adaptations and adventure films ever.

While the new TV series can’t be found on HBO Max, the six films that came before it can, including the extra-long editions. Dedicated fans of the series love the four-hour options with added scenes, but the theatrical cuts may be best for an evening with the family.

Spirited Away (2001)

There are Studio Ghibli films all over HBO Max, but Spirited Away is commonly seen as the most typical adventure film from director Hayao Miyazaki. The animation studio’s movies are known for their incredible artistic style, music, and rich storytelling.

Spirited Away, along with other options like Princess Mononoke and My Neighbor Totoro can be great for a family bonding experience. The vast adventure and sense of wonder these films explore are only matched but their emotional and mature themes.

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