Discover The Best Movies Like The Goonies - Exciting Adventures And Thrilling Quests

• IMDB rating: 7.8/10
• Director: David Mickey Evans
• Writers: David Mickey Evans, Robert Gunter
• Stars: Tom Guiry, Mike Vitar, Art LaFleur
• Duration: 1h 41m
  

Yet another cult-classic on the list! "The Sandlot" is a beloved coming-of-age sports comedy film released in 1993. Directed by David Mickey Evans, the film has become a cultural icon and a favorite among fans of all ages. Set in the 1960s, this film revolves around a group of neighborhood kids who come together to play baseball and embark on adventures in their quest to retrieve a prized baseball from a fearsome dog.

As mentioned above, the plot of "The Sandlot" is set in the early 1960s and follows the adventures of a group of young baseball-loving boys during a summer in a suburban neighborhood. The story is narrated by Scotty Smalls (portrayed by Tom Guiry), a new kid in town who struggles to fit in. Scotty is taken under the wing of Benny Rodriguez (played by Mike Vitar), the best player on the local sandlot baseball team.

The film revolves around the boys' love for baseball and their adventures on and off the field. They encounter various challenges, including a legendary and fearsome neighborhood dog known as "The Beast," and face situations that test their friendship and teamwork. Through their experiences, the boys learn about the importance of camaraderie, bravery, and the enduring spirit of childhood.

The film garnered positive reviews from critics. It was praised for its nostalgic charm, capturing the spirit of childhood and the love of baseball. The performances of the young cast were widely applauded for their authenticity and chemistry. Critics commended the film's humor, heartwarming story, and ability to evoke a sense of nostalgia. While some viewed it as a nostalgic throwback, others recognized its universal themes and relatability.

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Despite the positive reviews, "The Sandlot" only achieved moderate success at the box office. According to Box Office Mojo, It opened in fourth place on its opening weekend but went on to gross over $32 million domestically against its $7 million budget. While not a blockbuster hit, the film's enduring popularity and word-of-mouth support have contributed to its ongoing success and cult following.

In my opinion, The Sandlot nailed the innocence and fun of being a kid and playing baseball in a small town neighborhood. The film isn't flawless, but it has a fantastic vibe. I liked the subplot with the dog and James Earl Jones, and I liked the sequences in which the kids were simply being kids and having fun in the summer. The movie made me feel happy, and I sometimes think that's all a movie should accomplish.

While have their own unique stories and settings, they share a lot of similarities, such as the theme of childhood adventure, an ensemble cast of young characters, enduring popularity, and nostalgic value. As far as coming-of-age movies like “The Goonies” go, “The Sandlot” is one of the best out there.

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• IMDB rating: 7.0/10
• Director: Joe Johnston
• Writers: Jonathan Hensleigh, Greg Taylor, Jim Strain
• Stars: Robin Williams, Kirsten Dunst, Bonnie Hunt
• Duration: 1h 44m
  

Decades later, in 1995, siblings Judy (Kirsten Dunst) and Peter Shepherd (Bradley Pierce) move into Alan's old house. They discover Jumanji in the attic and begin playing. They immediately free Alan (Robin Williams), who has been locked in the game for 26 years. They understand, along with their friend Sarah Whittle (Bonnie Hunt), that the only way to halt the game and reverse its repercussions is to go to the game's center and yell "Jumanji."

"Jumanji" is a 1995 fantasy adventure film directed by Joe Johnston and based on Chris Van Allsburg's 1981 children's novel of the same name. The film features Robin Williams, Bonnie Hunt, Kirsten Dunst, and Bradley Pierce. The film was also a huge box office hit, debuting at No. 1 and surpassing Toy Story. It went on to make $100.5 million in the United States and Canada and an extra $162.3 million abroad, for a total of $262.8 million globally.

Audiences were intrigued by its unusual combination of adventure, comedy, and fantasy, and Robin Williams' performance was highly lauded. The special effects in the picture were especially noteworthy for the time, bringing the jungle and its inhabitants to life.

"Jumanji" received generally positive reviews from critics. The film was praised for its imaginative premise, Robin Williams' performance, and the visual effects. It was considered a thrilling and family-friendly adventure that appealed to both children and adults.

Commercially, "Jumanji" was a significant success, grossing over $262 million worldwide. The film's popularity led to its status as a beloved classic and spawned an animated television series and a sequel, "Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle" (2017), which took a fresh approach to the concept.

Overall, the 1995 film "Jumanji" remains a treasured classic, noted for its exhilarating adventure, intriguing characters, and Robin Williams' enduring acting skill. Looking for ‘old but gold’ fantasy adventure movies like The Goonies? You will never go wrong if you begin with 1995’s Jumanji.

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• IMDB rating: 6.4/10
• Director: Joe Dante
• Writers: Eric Luke
• Stars: Ethan Hawke, River Phoenix, Bobby Fite
• Duration: 1h 49m
  

In this science fiction adventure, a group of young boys build a homemade spaceship and embark on an interstellar journey, encountering aliens and discovering the wonders of the universe. Directed by Joe Dante and written by Eric Luke, the film follows the story of three young boys who embark on an extraordinary journey beyond their imagination.

"Explorers" centers around three friends: Ben Crandall (Ethan Hawke), Wolfgang Müller (River Phoenix), and Darren Woods (Jason Presson). Ben, an imaginative and science-minded boy, starts having vivid dreams about an alien spacecraft. With the help of his friends, they build a homemade spaceship using recycled materials, including a tilt-a-whirl car and a computer from a trash dump.

To their amazement, their makeshift spaceship actually works, and the boys find themselves launched into space. They encounter a friendly, peaceful alien named Wak (played by Robert Picardo) who speaks English and shares their love for classic science fiction films. Together, they embark on an adventure to explore the universe, encountering strange beings and experiencing incredible wonders.

The film received a lukewarm response from critics. While some praised the imaginative premise, the chemistry between the young actors, and the film's nostalgic charm, others felt that the story and execution fell short of its potential. Critics generally acknowledged the film's ambition and sense of adventure but noted that it lacked the depth and coherence found in other works by director Joe Dante.

Despite the mixed reception, "Explorers" performed moderately well at the box office. It opened in fourth place on its opening weekend and ultimately grossed around $9 million domestically against its $25 million budget. However, it didn't achieve blockbuster success and fell short of being a major commercial hit.

If you want a sci-fi version of “The Goonies”, this is it. The humor in this movie comes from unexpected places and actually falls into a bizarro world during the last act, yet it captivated my mind effortlessly when I first saw it when I was eleven years old. Maybe it's just nostalgia, but if you're into the entire 1980's throwback thing, this belongs in your library, hands down. Clever concept, and one of Joe Dante's last good films. Having a cast like that, on the other hand, can't hurt.

While "Explorers" may not have achieved the same level of recognition and cultural impact as "The Goonies," it shares a similar appeal for those who appreciate stories of youthful exploration and the enduring spirit of childhood imagination. If you are looking for 80s movies like The Goonies, why not start by embarking on a space adventure with “Explorers”? 

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• IMDB rating: 7.9/10
• Director: Steven Spielberg
• Writers: Melissa Mathison
• Stars: Henry Thomas, Drew Barrymore, Peter Coyote
• Duration: 1h 55m

Another classic directed by Steven Spielberg, this iconic film tells the story of a young boy who befriends an alien and helps him find a way back home while evading government authorities.

The film tells the heartwarming story of a young boy named Elliott (played by Henry Thomas) who befriends an extraterrestrial creature accidentally left behind on Earth. Dubbed E.T., the friendly alien forms a bond with Elliott and his siblings, helping them navigate their everyday lives while attempting to find a way back home.

Upon its release, "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial" became an instant phenomenon. It captured the hearts of audiences worldwide and became the highest-grossing film of all time at the time of its release, holding that record until 1993. The film's iconic imagery, memorable score composed by John Williams, and its emotional storytelling resonated with viewers, leading to a widespread cultural impact.

Upon its release, the film was met with overwhelmingly positive reviews from critics. Spielberg's direction, the performances of the cast, especially young Henry Thomas as Elliott and Drew Barrymore as Gertie, and the film's emotional storytelling were highly praised. Critics lauded its ability to capture the wonder and innocence of childhood, its heartfelt exploration of themes such as friendship and acceptance, and its ability to resonate with audiences of all ages.

"E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial" was a blockbuster hit, becoming the highest-grossing film of all time upon its release. It grossed over $792 million worldwide during its initial theatrical run, surpassing "Star Wars" to become the highest-grossing film at that time. The film's success was due in part to its universal appeal, captivating both children and adults alike.

I honestly have nothing negative to say about this film. I adored ET when I was a kid, and I still do at the age of 39!! It's incredibly amusing and lovely. As a child, this movie blasted me out of my seat, and it still kills me every time I watch it. Only four or five films have caused me to cry, let alone sob uncontrollably. I couldn't talk for the rest of the day after viewing E.T. for the first time. I sobbed for nearly five hours in my bed.

Both “E.T.” and “The Goonies” center around a group of young protagonists who embark on extraordinary adventures. They capture the essence of childhood wonder, curiosity, and the exploration of the unknown, thanks in part to Steven Spielberg’s magic. And for that reason, these classic '80s adventure movies have remained popular over the years, captivating audiences with their universal themes and relatable characters. 

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• IMDB rating: 7.0/10
• Director: J.J. Abrams
• Writers: J.J. Abrams
• Stars: Elle Fanning, AJ Michalka, Kyle Chandler
• Duration: 1h 52m
  

"Super 8" is a science fiction thriller film released in 2011. It was directed by J.J. Abrams and produced by Steven Spielberg. The film pays homage to classic 1970s and 1980s sci-fi and adventure films while telling an original story.

"Super 8" is set in a small town in Ohio during the summer of 1979. The story revolves around a group of young friends who are making a zombie movie on a Super 8 camera. While filming at a train station one night, they witnessed a catastrophic train crash. Soon after, unusual and mysterious events began occurring in their town.

As the friends try to unravel the truth behind the train crash and the strange occurrences, they realize that something extraterrestrial has escaped from the wreckage. The group bands together to confront the unknown and protect both their town and themselves from a powerful and dangerous force.

Upon release, "Super 8" was praised for its nostalgic homage to classic 1970s and 1980s adventure films, particularly those directed by Steven Spielberg. Critics appreciated J.J. Abrams' direction, the engaging story, and the performances of the young cast. The blend of mystery, suspense, and heartfelt storytelling resonated with many reviewers. However, some critics felt that the film relied too heavily on its homage and lacked originality. Overall, "Super 8" was viewed as an entertaining and visually impressive film.

The movie was not only a critical, but also a commercial success, grossing over $260 million worldwide against its $50 million budget. The film found an audience among fans of science fiction and adventure, as well as those who were drawn to the nostalgic appeal of the film's Spielberg-inspired storytelling.

I think the special effects and CGIs in this film were incredible, and it was an exciting thrill ride to watch. The plot itself may remind you of something you've seen previously. Think "The Goonies," "E.T.," and "Battle of Los Angeles," and you've got the ultimate result that is "Super 8." I'm sure this film may be enjoyed by individuals of various ages, not just younger audiences.

“Super 8” draws a lot of inspiration from Steven Spielberg movies like “The Goonies” and “E.T.”. As a matter of fact, J.J. Abrams, the director of "Super 8," worked closely with Spielberg and aimed to capture the essence of his earlier works. The influence of Spielberg's storytelling style and his ability to capture the wonder of childhood adventures are evident in this film. 

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• IMDB rating: 6.1/10
• Director: Jude Weng
• Writers: Christina Strain
• Stars: Kea Peahu, Alex Aiono, Lindsay Watson
• Duration: 2h 3m

Finding Ohana, which was released in 2021, is a modern action, adventure, and comedy film similar to The Goonies. The plot centers around a Hawaiian-American family residing in Brooklyn, New York. Pili (Kea Peahu) is a young girl who feels distant from her Hawaiian background and yearns for adventure. Pili's elder brother, Ioane (Alex Aiono), is more linked to their culture and helps her comprehend the significance of their ancestry.

When the siblings' grandpa, Kimo (Branscombe Richmond), becomes ill, the family journeys to their ancestral home in Oahu, Hawaii. Pili and Ioane uncover an ancient diary while visiting at their grandfather's house, which takes them on a treasure hunt based on a legend about a pirate's hidden wealth.

"Finding 'Ohana" garnered mostly excellent reviews for its touching tale, beautiful surroundings, and depiction of Hawaiian culture. The film was acclaimed for its varied cast and for highlighting Hawaii's beauty and relevance. It was an original twist on the adventure genre that appealed to both youngsters and adults.

In my opinion, "Finding 'Ohana" is a fun film that honors Hawaiian culture while also providing a thrilling voyage full of family, friendship, and self-discovery. Looking for recently-released treasure hunt movies like The Goonies on Netflix? Finding Ohana has you covered. 

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• IMDB rating: 6.9/10
• Director: Fred Dekker
• Writers: Shane Black, Fred Dekker
• Stars: Andre Gower, Robby Kiger, Stephen Macht
• Duration: 1h 19m

IMDB rating: 6.9/10This film is perfect if you are looking to watch family adventure movies like The Goonies on Halloween. The Monster Squad, like The Goonies, would feature a gang of buddies who venture out to save their home.

The plot centres on a gang of buddies known as the Monster Squad. Sean (Andre Gower), Patrick (Robby Kiger), Horace (Brent Chalem), Eugene (Michael Faustino), and Sean's younger sister, Phoebe (Ashley Bank), are among them. These kids all have one thing in common: They are fascinated by monsters and horror movies.

One day, they learn that Count Dracula (Duncan Regehr), Frankenstein's Monster (Tom Noonan), The Wolfman (Carl Thibault), The Mummy (Michael MacKay), and The Gillman (Tom Woodruff Jr.) are plotting to take over the world by obtaining an amulet that can open a portal to unleash evil.

Recognizing the gravity of the issue, the Monster Squad embarks on a mission to stop the monsters with the assistance of an old German named Abraham Van Helsing (Jack Gwillim). They acquire information about each monster's vulnerabilities and utilize their wits to combat the mysterious beings.

The Monster Squad received mixed reviews upon its first release, but it has since developed a loyal cult following. The film's combination of horror and humor is reminiscent of great monster pictures from the past. Fans of the horror genre will love the humorous language and allusions to iconic horror characters and tropes.

Despite the fact that The Monster Squad was not a commercial success upon its first release, it has since attained cult classic status, which has allowed it to persist and be loved by viewers who like its blend of horror, humor, and nostalgia. "Monster Squad" is a renowned gem among 1980s film lovers and monster movie aficionados alike. If you can't get enough of kids' adventure films with young protagonists like The Goonies, it's time to move on to The Monster Squad. 

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• IMDB rating: 8.1/10
• Director: Rob Reiner
• Writers: Stephen King, Raynold Gideon, Bruce A. Evans
• Stars: Wil Wheaton, River Phoenix, Corey Feldman
• Duration: 1h 29m

Stand by Me is about a writer who narrates his boyhood adventure as he walks down memory lane. During the summer of 1959, the writer and his best pals embarked on a once-in-a-lifetime journey.

The plot revolves around four twelve-year-old boys: Gordie (Wil Wheaton), Chris (River Phoenix), Teddy (Corey Feldman), and Vern (Jerry O'Connell). They set off on a quest to uncover the body of a missing child called Ray Brower, who is said to be buried in the woods near their little town of Castle Rock, Oregon.

Along the trip, the lads face a variety of obstacles and personal problems, including perilous railroad lines, a leech-infested swamp, and clashes with older adolescent bullies led by Ace Merrill (Kiefer Sutherland). The journey, on the other hand, allows the lads to bond, share secrets, and confront their concerns.

"Stand By Me" was released to tremendous acclaim and has since become a treasured classic. Audiences enjoyed the film's compassionate storyline, honest representation of friendship, and nostalgic mood. It highlighted the potential of its youthful actors, with River Phoenix and Wil Wheaton giving noteworthy performances.

The film also performed well commercially, given its modest budget. It grossed over $52 million worldwide, which was considered a success considering its targeted audience and genre. The film's critical acclaim and positive word-of-mouth contributed to its success at the box office.

Stand By Me, based on Stephen King's novella of the same name, is not only a brilliantly engrossing narrative, but it is also amusing and emotional. This is aided by the whole cast's superb and completely credible child actor performances, particularly those of Kiefer Sutherland, John Cusack, Wil Wheaton, Corey Feldman, Jerry O'Connell, and River Pheonix.

Stand by Me, like The Goonies, is one of those funny and emotional 1980s nostalgia movies. It's a lovely story full of memories and adventures. Start with Stand by Me if you want to go sentimental and reminisce about your youth. 

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• IMDB rating: 6.5/10
• Director: Shawn Levy
• Writers: Robert Ben Garant, Thomas Lennon, Milan Trenc
• Stars: Ben Stiller, Carla Gugino, Ricky Gervais
• Duration: 1h 48m

Night at the Museum, named one of the top box office films of 2007, is a wonderful film filled with adventure and humor. Larry Daley (played by Ben Stiller) is a total loser: a divorced and unemployed man, with nowhere to turn until he gets hired as a night security guard.

He has 1 seemingly simple job: all he needs to do is look after the Museum of Natural History. Turns out, the job is not at all an easy one. Larry quickly finds that the exhibits at the museum come to life at night thanks to a mysterious artifact known as the Tablet of Ahkmenrah.

Larry meets numerous historical and cultural personalities brought to life during the night, including Theodore Roosevelt (Robin Williams), Attila the Hun (Patrick Gallagher), Sacagawea (Mizuo Peck), and many others. Larry must explore the tumultuous museum and keep the exhibits from wreaking havoc or fleeing into the city. "Night at the Museum" received generally positive reviews from critics. The film was praised for its family-friendly entertainment, lively performances, and visual effects. The humor and adventure resonated with audiences, leading to its popularity and success.

Commercially, "Night at the Museum" was a significant success. It grossed over $574 million worldwide, making it one of the highest-grossing films of 2006. The film's popularity led to two successful sequels, "Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian" (2009) and "Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb" (2014).

Don't go into this film expecting a sophisticated narrative or deep insight into the human condition. The story and plot are lightweight, but it doesn't matter too much. The characters are appealing, weird, and loveable, plus the premise has a lot of potential.

The humor is silly and well-executed slapstick comedy with little in the way of profanity. I really appreciated the antics and bravery of the little Cowboys, Mayans, and Romans. (Though my inner stickler was irritated by tiny changes in their scale.) I would definitely recommend this film for family viewing.

Both The Goonies and Night at the Museum are friendship and teamwork films that aim to combine elements of humor and adventure to entertain the audience while exploring themes of friendship and teamwork. If you are looking for family-friendly adventures, then you can’t go wrong with Night at the Museum. 

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• IMDB rating: 7.3/10
• Director: Agnieszka Holland
• Writers: Frances Hodgson Burnett, Caroline Thompson
• Stars: Kate Maberly, Maggie Smith, Heydon Prowse
• Duration: 1h 41m

"The Secret Garden," based on Frances Hodgson Burnett's beloved novel, intertwines elements of fantasy, mystery, and personal transformation. Directed by Agnieszka Holland and released in 1993, this movie is a highly acclaimed film adaptation of Frances Hodgson Burnett's novel that captivates viewers with its magical ambiance and exploration of the human spirit.

The film follows the story of Mary Lennox, a young girl who is sent to live with her uncle, Archibald Craven, in his secluded manor called Misselthwaite Manor in Yorkshire, England. Mary, portrayed by Kate Maberly, is a lonely and neglected child, but her life begins to change when she discovers a hidden key that leads her to a secret garden on the estate. In the garden, Mary meets a local boy named Dickon, played by Andrew Knott, who has a special connection with nature and animals. With the help of Dickon and her sickly cousin Colin, portrayed by Heydon Prowse, Mary works to bring the neglected garden back to life. As the garden flourishes, so do the characters, finding healing, joy, and a sense of belonging.

The film received favorable reviews from critics. It was praised for its faithful adaptation of the novel, capturing the spirit and themes of the original story. The performances of the young cast, particularly Kate Maberly as Mary Lennox and Heydon Prowse as Colin Craven, were widely acclaimed for their depth and maturity. The film's visuals, cinematography, and enchanting atmosphere were also highly praised. Yet despite the critical acclaim, "The Secret Garden" (1993) only achieved moderate commercial success.

To me, “The Secret Garden” will always have a special place in my heart; I adore this film and it brings back so many beautiful childhood memories for me. The kids who played Mary, Dicken, and Colin were absolutely amazing and great performers; I'm surprised they didn't go on to larger things in their lives, but they had great chemistry and really brought the movie to life.

The settings are also magnificent, and the garden that the youngsters constructed reminds me of all the good things that spring brings, life. If you haven't seen The Secret Garden, I highly encourage you to do so; it's a really wonderful picture that I'm sure you'll like.

If you are looking for 90s coming-of-age movies like The Goonies that feature a memorable cast of children who embark on adventures that lead to personal growth and self-discovery, then look no further than “The Secret Garden”. Like The Goonies, this film explores themes of friendship, teamwork, and the power of imagination. However, the settings and overall tones of the two films differ significantly. 

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Movies like The Goonies can let you escape the reality of our complicated and, at times, stressful world. It provides you with the key to a door that leads to a world of fantasies, comedy, mysteries, and adventures. Hopefully, this list has provided you with some quality movie recommendations to scratch that itch for feel-good adventures.

Personally, while I was not born during the 80s, The Goonies has been one of my favorite films ever since I first watched it. On my journey to find similar films that can give me wholesome adventures to escape the pressure of everyday life, I have stumbled upon many movies, both good and bad. That’s why I decided to compile a list of the top movies like The Goonies to assist other people who might have the same thirst for feel-good adventures.

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