Adventure films are a staple in anyone’s childhood. Often fantastical, they embody the imagination and creativity that kids thrive on

The journey into the unknown appeals to their sense of discovery, while the possibilities and wonders that await satisfy adolescent curiosities. For kids, it doesn’t get much better than watching films full of characters that often resemble themselves in wondrous situations and epic places

To celebrate the release of Super 8 here are seven great adventure films with kids, for kids

7. Time Bandits

Director: Terry Gilliam
Cast: Sean Connery, Shelley Duvall, John Cleese, Craig Warnock, David Warner, Ian Holm, Katherine Helmond, Michael Palin, Peter Vaughan, Jim Broadbent, Derrick O’Connor, Tony Jay, Sheila Fearn, Juliette James, Ralph Richardson
Year: 1981

Directed by Monty Python alumni Terry Gilliam, Time Bandits follows a young boy named Kevin – played by Craig Warnock - who joins a group of dwarves that stumbled out of his wardrobe. Using a stolen map which the dwarves have at their disposal, Kevin and the Time Bandits go to various historical periods plundering treasure and antiquities whilst avoiding the Supreme Being – played by Ralph Richardson - who is chasing them. While travelling through history the dwarves and Kevin are being watched by a wicked sorcerer called Evil Genius – David Warner - who also desires the map. In an attempt to find the greatest of treasures, Kevin and the time bandits enter Evil Genius’ Fortress of Ultimate Darkness where they are deceived and imprisoned. The Time Bandits are forced to escape and confront Evil Genius in an attempt to regain the map and prevent world domination

Gilliam is able to create a truly memorable fantasy world that keeps you engaged as the film’s sets and effects are imaginative and impressive, especially for such a low-budgeted film. Time Bandits is studded with stars in smaller, memorable roles – Sean Connery as King Agamennon, John Cleese as Robin Hood, Ian Holm as Napoleon and Shelley Duvall as Dame Pansy. Time Bandits’ fairytale elements are combined with a darker tone and adult humour, setting Time Bandits apart from other fantasy adventure epics and making Time Bandits a must-see

6. The Goonies

Director: Richard Donner
Cast: Sean Astin, Josh Brolin, Jeff Cohen, Corey Feldman, Kerri Green, Corey Feldman, Kerri Green, Martha Plimpton, Joe Pantoliano, Jonathan Ke Quan, Lupe Ontiveros, Anne Ramsey, John Matuszak, Robert Davi, Mary Ellen Trainor
Year: 1985

The Goonies is a fun-filled rollercoaster ride from Superman director Richard Donner and producer Steven Spielberg. The Goonies follows a group of kids called The Goonies who after discovering an old treasure map hatch a plan to find the fortune of One-Eyed Willie, a legendary pirate, in order to save their home which faces demolition. The kids have to get past deadly booby traps and outfox the villainous Fratelli family in order to reach the riches aboard Willie’s ship, the Inferno. Bats, spiders, monsters, evil foes and hidden treasure; The Goonies has all the elements of a great, entertaining kids adventure film

The Goonies has a great cast which includes a young Josh Brolin and Sean Astin (Samwise Gamgee from The Lord of the Rings), whose enjoyable performances perfectly capture the carefree spirit and mischievousness of youth. The simplicity of The Goonies is part of its charm, and its amusing set pieces and charming characters – Super Slot! – all contribute to the nostalgia, which The Goonies has in abundance

5. Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory

Director: Mel Stuart
Cast: Gene Wilder, Jack Albertson, Peter Ostrum, Paris Themmen, Julie Dawn Cole, Michael Bollner, Leonard Stone, Roy Kinnear, Denise Nickerson, Aubrey Woods, Nora Denney, Ursula Reit, Diana Sowle, David Battley, Dora Altmann
Year: 1971

With a fantastic score, outstanding musical numbers and a memorable performance by Gene Wilder as the title character, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory has all the ingredients that make it an unforgettable family film. Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory follows Charlie Bucket – played by Peter Ostrum - a young boy who lives in a small house with his poor family. Once Charlie learns of a contest to win a tour of Wonka’s legendary and secret Chocolate Factory, he buys a bar actually turns out to contain a golden ticket! Charlie, along with his Grandpa Joe – played by a magical Jack Albertson - joins Wonka and the other winners on a tour of his factory during which Charlie proves himself to be of noble heart and is named heir to Willy Wonka’s fortune

Adapted from Roald Dahl’s novel, Mel Stuart’s Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory is a heart-warming and brilliant tale of the importance of honest and kindness. Gene Wilder bears the bewildered wide eyes gaze of a true magician and along the way we meet fascinating characters such as Mike Teevee – played by Paris Themmen - Augustus Gloop – played by a big Michael Bollner - and the irritating and cute Veruca Salt – played by the pretty Julie Dawn Cole. And of course the amusing – and scary! – Oompa Loompas, who keep us engrossed during this part musical, part fantasy adventure spectacular

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