Classic Adventure Movies for Teens

Classic Adventure Movies for Teens written by the Unicorn with commentary by the Hobbit. This post contains affiliate links, you can find out more on our policies page or in the disclaimer at the bottom of the blog

All of the movies reviewed here are available on Disney Plus, and, as they were made in the 1950’s, do not carry a MPAA rating. And if you like the movies you may want to read the books! All are readily available.

This has been a crazy year, and many parents are concerned that a little pre back to school educational boost would be good for their kids. We at Down The Hobbit Hole Blog are here to help! We love a good story. That’s one of the main reasons we do what we do! Grab one of these books, read it together, then check out these movies!

Movies have always looked to books for inspiration, and in the 1950’s several famous adventure novels were filmed.Special effects have improved over the past 70 years, and this is frequently a stumbling block for pre-teen and teen viewers, but the stories are as relevant to today’s world as they were then – that is why the books are classics. While the books and movies we review do not always call you to think and act, many of them do. Even those books and movies that seem to be just for fun are often full of messages that require us to stop and think.

Know Before you Watch:

Movie: Treasure Island
Length: 1 hour 36 minutes
Release Year: 1950
Stars:  4 out of 5
Themes: Greed, Importance of Role Models, Community
Warnings: Light Violence, Drinking
Based on: Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson
Interesting Notes:
-This is Disney’s first completely live-action film.

Quick summary:

Treasure Island is about young fatherless Jim Hawkins and his experience journeying to find treasure with pirates. Along the way he learns that not all people are what they seem, and to use intellect and caution with potentially dangerous people. (And I added Muppet Treasure Island here because how could I not?!)

Discussion Questions

1. Long John Silver seems nice at first, but then uses Jim as a bargaining tool. Do you think he’s a better bad guy because he isn’t all bad?
2. Do you think Jim made a wise decision to go find treasure?
3. Sometimes you will trust untrustworthy people, but you can learn from it and grow! What lessons did Jim learn from Long John Silver?
4. What is the one principal thought the movie wants to leave with you?

Why should you watch today:

Treasure Island is certainly a classic, and covers some great discussion points on role models and friendship. Perhaps more importantly for our current society, the disastrous effects of greed are clearly shown. Many discussion points.

Know Before you Watch:

Movie: Journey to The Center of The Earth
Length: 2 hours 12 minutes
Release Year: 1959
Stars:  3 out of 5
Themes: Discovery, Friendship, Exploration
Warnings: Scary Moments, Death
Based on: Journey to The Center of The Earth by Jules Verne
Interesting Notes:
-Clifton Webb was originally supposed to play Profesor Lindenbrook, but fell very ill. He was replaced by James Mason, who also played Captain Nemo in 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea, another title on this list.
-Trust and perseverance are key to success!

Quick summary:

A small team of unlikely adventurers travel through many trials towards the center of the earth. As they journey, they brave several dangerous encounters with spies from rival scientists, dinosaurs, and many more.

Discussion Questions

1. Would you travel to the center of the Earth?
2. Lindenbrook is very rude towards Carla because she’s a woman, even though she allowed them to use her late husband’s research. Do you think that’s ok?
3. What is the one principal thought the movie wants to leave with you?

Why should you watch today:

Journey to the Center of the Earth is about science. It is fantastical science (we know a lot more now than we did 100 years ago), but it shows the power of science and the love of knowledge. And, as a bonus, it clearly shows us that women are as good as men at science. For students interested in STEM, this could open some dicussions. And, again from today’s headlines, there is a strong anti-science sentiment that we need to confront. Another discussion point.

Know Before you Watch

Movie: 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea
Length: 2 hrs 9 mins
Release Year: 1959
Stars:  3 out of 5
Themes: Technology, Exploration
Warnings: Light Language, Light Violence
Based on: 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea
Interesting Notes:
-It won 2 Academy Awards, Best Art Direction and Best Special Effects!

Quick summary:

Join Professor Aronnax and his assistant Conseil, and master harpooner Ned Land in their adventure to find a rumored sea monster. After their steamship explodes, they meet Captain Nemo and his technologically advanced submarine, the Nautilus. They encounter many dangers such as a giant squid and warships, but also fun sea lions! 

Discussion Questions

1. How would you describe Professor Aronnax as a character? What do you like and dislike about his personality and why?
2. What do you think about Captain Nemo? How is he different from the other characters in the film?
3. What is the one principal thought the movie wants to leave with you?

Why should you watch today:

20.000 Leagues Under the Sea is about a man who faces systemic evil and injustice. His solution is to become an avenging angel. Two of the characters – Conseil and Ned Land – choose to ignore the problem (and concentrate on themselves). Professor Aronnax understands the problem but believes he can convince Captain Nemo there is a better way. The conflict this sets up in the movie is surprisingly relevant and could come from today’s headlines.

If you liked our Classic Adventure Movies for Teens list, check out some of out other posts:
–Talking Your Teens Through Just Mercy
–Pirate Movies for Any Age
–Mystery Movies for Any Age

Closing Thoughts

Stories are a great learning tool, and an open up a lot of discussion. At Down the Hobbit Hole Blog we believe that the most amazing, wonderful story in the world is found in the Bible. In fact, we believe the best way to read the Bible is to read it as an incredible grand story, one that calls us to change and action, just like these stories do. We hope you have some fun movie nights!

Down The Hobbit Hole Blog and this Classic adventure movies for Teens post use affiliate links, we only link products we think you’ll like and you are never charged extra for them. As Amazon Associates, we earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. We also use cookies to gather analytics and present advertisements. This allows us to keep writing discussion questions and telling ridiculous dad jokes. Find our other reviews with discussion questions here. Our posts about faith here. And our posts about family stuff here.