10 Netflix Adventure Movies That’ll Make You Feel Like a Goonie Grown Up

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Fundamentally, The Goonies wasn’t just a children’s film; it was more like a roadmap for adulthood, camouflaged beneath pirate humor and trap mechanisms. It presented the dream of discovering purpose amidst chaos, loyalty in tough economic times, and an exhilarating journey where pain and riches were forever intertwined. The Goonies might never say die, but what if they grew up, faced adult traumas, developed PTSD, and began to arm themselves?

As a movie enthusiast, I’ve found myself immersed in a thrilling lineup of 10 adventure flicks on Netflix that embody the electrifying fusion of childhood enchantment and adult complications. These films serve as an exhilarating precursor to the much-anticipated return of our favorite treasure hunters in The Goonies 2. They’re raw, adrenaline-fueled, and emotionally turbulent – reminiscent of Mikey and his gang if they had continued their underground escapades well into their thirties.

Prepare for morally ambiguous treasure seekers, intricate family dynamics reminiscent of chosen families, ancient curses, and the chaotic, world-traversing turmoil that transforms every map into a midlife crisis. These aren’t mere sequels; they’re spiritual successors, reimagined by life and a more generous budget for wardrobes.

Here are the best adventure movies on Netflix like The Goonies.

10
‘Troll’ (2022)

Under the guidance of director Roar Uthaug, Troll represents a Norwegian action-adventure that poses a thought-provoking query: what if the tales your elders used to caution you about were not mere myths but enraged beings? As an enormous, ancient troll stirs from its slumber in the mountains, scientist Nora Tidemann (played by Ine Marie Wilmann) is drafted to decipher the turmoil. She finds herself supported by an eclectic team that includes a government advisor with strong ethics and a military force skeptical of legends. Nora’s portrayal by Wilmann exudes a palpable sense of urgency – a woman who once dismissed her father’s folklore but now finds herself navigating it like a guide through administrative disbelief. The troll serves not only as a terrifying beast, but as a symbol of neglected history, an ancient sorrow wandering indifferently through the modern world.

The Cavern Just Got Louder

As a movie enthusiast, I find a striking similarity between Troll and The Goonies in their approach to exploration – they both portray discovery as a blend of wonder and consequence. Just like the kids unearthing pirate treasure beneath dilapidated suburbs, Nora ventures – into history, into personal turmoil, into caves literal and figurative – to uncover the truth. Both movies view mythology not just as embellishment but as a guide: the hints are in old tales, the perils in disregarding them. Where The Goonies offered us treasure hunts with friendship bands, ‘Troll’ escalates it – swapping slapstick for earthquakes, and booby traps for generational sorrow. It’s a more mature, somber counterpart, but it still upholds one fundamental belief: the improbable is frequently hidden just beneath the surface.

9
‘Live Is Life’ (2021)

1985 rural Spain serves as the backdrop for the heartwarming film, “Live Is Life,” where five longtime friends come together one last time on a summer quest: to locate a mythical flower said to heal sickness. The narrative may seem fantastical, yet it’s infused with reminiscence and tinged by the realities of mortality. As they grow older, the characters – led by sensitive Rodri (Adrián Baena) and fearless Álvaro (Raúl del Pozo) – are experiencing rapid maturation, grappling with issues such as abusive parents and terminal illnesses. Director Dani de la Torre imbues this journey with authentic warmth and a diverse emotional palette: one moment they’re joyously biking through forests reminiscent of Spielberg landscapes; the next, they’re grappling with the harsh truth that not all tales have happy conclusions.

The Treasure Is Time — and You’re Already Losing It

In the spirit of a dedicated movie enthusiast, I’d rephrase it as follows:

“Life’s Journey” echoes the heartfelt vibe of “The Goonies,” transitioning from an adventure tale into a poignant elegy – a cinematic exploration that ponders what lies beyond the map, not treasure, but a fleeting moment of awe before the world turns frosty. Much like Mikey’s band of brothers, these boys are driven by legend and camaraderie, yearning to extend their childhood’s twilight. Instead of swashbuckling escapades, we find introspective soul-searching, but the essence remains unchanged: an eclectic group of heroes, clandestine hideaways, and the bittersweet understanding that the quest is seldom just about the reward. It’s about the person you become along the way. If “The Goonies” signaled a boisterous start, “Life’s Journey” is the sunset-hued denouement – raw, breathtaking, and courageous enough to bid farewell.

8
‘The Sea Beast’ (2022)

As a fervent admirer, I found Chris Williams’ animated masterpiece, “The Sea Beast,” to be an enchanting watercolor narration of every sea legend that has ever echoed across the ocean waves. However, its heartfelt essence is deeply rooted in a stowaway and a swordsman. Karl Urban lends his voice to Jacob Holland, a renowned monster hunter with a stoic demeanor and silent scars etched upon his character; Zaris-Angel Hator breathes life into Maisie Brumble, an orphan who dares to sneak aboard his ship and redefines the very essence of heroism. The animation is exquisitely painterly and seamless – imagine a beautiful fusion of “Moana” and “Master and Commander.” The world-building is nothing short of breathtaking, teeming with Leviathans, maritime folklore, and institutional propaganda subtly disguised as bedtime tales. Yet, the film’s most potent tool isn’t its exhilarating action sequences – it’s its profound emotional acuity.

Mistrust the Map, Befriend the Monster

Similar to The Goonies, The Sea Beast revolves around reshaping a narrative that has been given to you. Characters Maisie and Jacob form a timeless duo: one filled with optimism, the other weary, both on a quest for something just beyond their reach. Just as Mikey held faith in a realm of treasure and camaraderie amidst adult skepticism, Maisie maintains hope that monsters are more misinterpreted than malicious. In this tale, obstacles take the form of ideological challenges, and the true riches lie in empathy. It’s a story about unlearning, questioning the tales passed down by institutions, and understanding how a child’s belief can forge a new path for an entire world. If The Goonies showed us to follow the clues, The Sea Beast prompts us to consider who created those clues in the first place.

7
‘Enola Holmes’ (2020)

Millie Bobby Brown delivers a unique blend of spirited intensity in the film Enola Holmes, making it both strikingly contemporary and delightfully out-of-place. In her role as Sherlock Holmes’ teenage sibling (portrayed with stoic reserve by Henry Cavill), Enola is full of vigor and insight – a Victorian detective apprentice who seems to be sharing the most intriguing secrets through her direct addresses to the camera. Under the guidance of director Harry Bradbeer, the movie deftly navigates cryptic messages, missing parents, and social upheaval with an effervescent pace, largely propelled by Brown’s captivating portrayal. The film isn’t shy about being humorous, but it shows great courage in allowing its protagonist to be solitary, upset, and far too intelligent for the society she was born into.

A Magnifying Glass for the Goonie Soul

Essentially, the movie Enola Holmes captures the same spirited, independent vibe as The Goonies. It’s about kids who don’t hesitate to create their own adventure instead of waiting for permission. Just like Mikey, Enola is driven by legends and memories, utilizing her family history as both motivation and challenge. While The Goonies presented us with a map and a pirate ship, Enola Holmes offers puzzles and secret societies – different accessories, same narrative. Both stories emphasize the strength of instinct over power, curiosity over conformity. Unlike the Goonies, Enola doesn’t have a group to guide her through the labyrinth, but she carries with her the fierce, jubilant rebellion of a child who still believes in a world worth unraveling.

6
‘Goosebumps’ (2015)

In the meta-horror adventure movie titled “Goosebumps,” directed by Rob Letterman, Jack Black portrays a fictionalized character based on R.L. Stine – an introverted author whose monstrous characters inadvertently spring to life when a band of teenagers open one of his manuscripts. The narrative centers around Dylan Minnette’s character, Zach, who is the new kid in town, and Odeya Rush as Hannah, Stine’s secretive daughter. They work together to contain a monster outbreak featuring creatures like enormous praying mantises and vengeful ventriloquist dummies. Black’s portrayal of Stine offers a mix of intimidating and charming qualities, resembling a dark version of Willy Wonka, whose imagination is both a blessing and a curse. The movie maintains an enjoyable chaos with elements of horror spoof and adolescent journey, all encased within the lively atmosphere of a polished Saturday matinee film enhanced by CGI effects.

The Booby Trap Is a Typewriter

‘Goosebumps’ shares a resemblance with The Goonies not only because they both follow the theme of kids on a quest, but also due to their unique blend of excitement and life-or-death situations. Similar to the Goonies, these children learn that danger can often be wrapped in adventure. The monsters serve as representations of all the unknown fears associated with growing up, such as loss, change, and loneliness. Overcoming these fears requires unity among the characters.

R.L. Stine, like One-Eyed Willy, acts as both an obstacle and a guide, embodying a local legend living in your neighborhood. Just like Mikey and his friends, Zach and Hannah persevere not through brute strength, but by using their cleverness and the realization that even difficult, scary stories are worth experiencing.

5
‘Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire’ (2024)

In its latest iteration, titled “Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire,” the storyline skillfully incorporates the familiar elements of proton packs, gloop, and more into a heartfelt narrative structure. Paul Rudd heads up a fresh team of ghost-busting underdogs, including veterans from the original cast and newcomers such as Mckenna Grace, who brings a poignant undertone to her portrayal of Phoebe Spengler. The plot unfolds against a frozen New York backdrop under supernatural attack, offering a blend of disaster flick and family epic – a ghost tale cloaked in science fiction clothing. Despite its comedic elements, the film is also thought-provoking and genuine, showcasing the unique ability of this franchise to tackle themes such as grief, legacy, and self-discovery when it recalls that it’s not merely about ghosts; rather, it’s about the human experiences that unfold within these spectral encounters.

From Booby Traps to Ecto Traps

The similarity between “Frozen Empire” and “The Goonies” goes beyond their group dynamics or haunted locations; they both embrace the idea that underdogs can change the world. Phoebe is essentially a Goonie in disguise, a bright child venturing into darkness with a flashlight, trusting knowledge and fortune will be sufficient. The action scenes are sweetened, but the core emotion revolves around the turmoil of found families, deceased grandparents, and the notion that being peculiar is a source of power. Similar to “The Goonies”, it’s about uncovering hidden spaces, improvising plans, and realizing that what matters isn’t physical strength – it’s who stands with you in the face of danger.

4
‘Rim of the World’ (2019)

Under the dynamic guidance of director McG, Rim of the World blends elements of an alien invasion thriller with a heartfelt Gen Z coming-of-age tale, seasoned with a sprinkle of snack crumbs and personal struggles. Four mismatched adolescents – Alex, ZhenZhen, Dariush, and Gabriel – find themselves trapped at a summer camp during an extraterrestrial assault, their mission being to deliver a crucial key that could potentially save the world. Despite their stereotypical roles, these characters are portrayed with genuine emotion: Benjamin Flores Jr.’s Dariush masks his pain with bravado, Jack Gore’s Alex is introverted and tormented, while Miya Cech’s ZhenZhen speaks volumes through her silence. The film is bold and inconsistent, but its fast-paced, meme-inspired narrative conceals a sincere message – a tale about healing, trust, and the unusual clarity that arises when facing annihilation together.

Aliens, Angst, and the End of the World

‘Rim of the World’ doesn’t merely take inspiration from ‘The Goonies’; instead, it amplifies the original concept and sends it soaring into space. Similar to the group in ‘The Goonies’, these youngsters don’t sit idly waiting for adults to resolve their issues; they tackle them by embarking on adventures filled with confusion, dirtiness, and quirks. The film exudes a BMX-like vibe, evident in both the dialogue and pacing, and while the challenges are worldwide, the narrative remains personal: it’s about children discovering themselves amidst the rubble of their preconceived childhood ideals. Like ‘The Goonies’, the movie thrives when it underscores that the actual voyage is not from one place to another; it’s about transformation – from being strangers into friends, from fear into courage, and from hiding in the shadows to stepping forward and embracing the chaos.

3
‘Okja’ (2017)

Bong Joon-ho’s movie titled Okja is a unique, action-packed journey about Mija, a courageous young Korean girl portrayed by Ahn Seo-hyun, who embarks on an international mission to save her genetically modified superpig from the grasp of a greedy and unscrupulous multinational corporation. Tilda Swinton takes on two roles: one as the flamboyant CEO and another as her more reserved twin sister, while Jake Gyllenhaal delivers an outrageous, morally questionable portrayal of a fame-obsessed zoologist. However, it’s Mija who provides the film with its emotional core – she is resolute, enraged, and astonishingly resourceful in the face of late-capitalist oppression. The movie seamlessly transitions between peaceful countryside scenes and grotesque city landscapes, reminding us that awe and dread can often coexist, sometimes even within the same scene.

The Treasure Is a Pig, and the World Is the Trap

If The Goonies was about discovering hidden treasure amidst the remnants of adult errors, Okja is its passionate, emotionally mature successor. Unlike the characters in The Goonies who followed a map, Mija takes up an all-out battle against a system. Similar to Mikey and his friends, she holds steadfast to the belief that love and loyalty can change the story’s outcome, even when everything seems designed to contradict this notion. Although it lacks caves or booby traps, Okja abounds with the same innocent turmoil and makeshift resistance. Essentially, Okja is about saving your companion and, by extension, protecting yourself from losing sensitivity. It’s The Goonie fantasy with sharper claws – it maintains its scrappy spirit and small-kid-versus-giant-system dynamic, but this time, the giant is a scientist wearing a lab coat and corporate insignia.

2
‘We Have a Ghost’ (2023)

Christopher Landon’s “We Have a Ghost” is an extraordinary supernatural journey laced with heartfelt emotions. When a family settles into their new home and encounters a silent, mullet-wearing ghost named Ernest (portrayed tenderly by David Harbour), the teenager Kevin (Jahi Di’Allo Winston) serves as the peculiar intermediary between our world and viral recognition. The movie skillfully combines satire of the TikTok era with genuine sorrow, portraying Ernest not as a threat but as an individual trapped in a narrative – a ghost who’s not only lost his ability to speak but also his identity. Tig Notaro, Jennifer Coolidge, and Anthony Mackie complete the cast with character shifts that range from humorous deadpan to profoundly emotional moments.

Who Needs a Pirate Ship When You’ve Got a Haunted House?

‘We Have a Ghost’ mirrors a postmodern version of ‘The Goonies’ because it recognizes that adventures can also be internal journeys – they might involve emotional exploration rather than just physical quests. Just like in ‘The Goonies’, Kevin and Ernest develop a unique cross-generational bond, reminiscent of the friendship depicted in ‘The Goonies’. This bond is forged on daring exploits, concern for each other, and an unyielding determination to keep the past alive. The haunted house serves as a symbol, the ghost representing a forgotten gem, while the ensuing chase – filled with internet fame, police helicopters, and family strife – becomes a thrilling quest to rediscover what truly matters. Just as Mikey did in ‘The Goonies’, Kevin sees worth in something that everyone else had discarded. Similar to ‘The Goonies’, this film embraces second chances – for both the living and the deceased.

1
‘Finding ‘Ohana’ (2021)

Titled “Finding ‘Ohana“, this film, directed by Jude Weng, is set in O‘ahu and follows the journey of two siblings – Pili (Kea Peahu), a daring 12-year-old geocaching enthusiast, and Ioane (Alex Aiono), her somewhat reluctant older brother. As they embark on an unwilling family trip, they stumble upon a genuine treasure hunt hidden within the dense Hawaiian jungle. The adventure begins with a mix of mythological mysteries, including secret caves, ancient riddles, and spectral guardians. The film exudes honesty: Kea Peahu delivers a standout performance that masterfully blends humor with emotional depth, while Kelly Hu and Branscombe Richmond provide a sense of family dynamics through their portrayal of quiet intergenerational tension. The cinematography captures the breathtaking beauty of the island, and its soundtrack seamlessly combines catchy pop beats with local flavors. Ultimately, it’s a tale about rediscovering connections – to culture, family, and oneself.

The Goonies Grew Up, Moved to Hawai‘i, and Found Themselves

The film ‘Finding ‘Ohana’ proudly showcases its resemblance to ‘The Goonies’, even featuring appearances from some familiar faces in a single scene. However, it broadens the template by basing the treasure not solely on gold, but on self-discovery and identity. Similar to Mikey and his friends, Pili and Ioane need to interpret more than maps; they must understand what it means to belong. The journey unfolds while delving into a profound examination of loss, heritage, and the tension between mainland aspirations and island legacy. Just like ‘The Goonies’, this movie emphasizes that courage isn’t only about venturing into the unknown, but also about heeding the messages from the unknown. Of course, there are humor, close calls with danger, and traps, but what truly matters is the connection – ‘ohana’ – that forms when searching for treasure and discovering your kin instead.>

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2025-04-26 23:35