Adventure Films About Explorers

Description: Based on Rudyard Kipling's story, this film follows two British adventurers in colonial India who set out to become kings of a remote kingdom, exploring themes of ambition, friendship, and the perils of imperialism.

Fact: The film was shot in Morocco, which doubled for the fictional Kafiristan.

Description: This film recounts the true story of the Tsavo maneaters, two man-eating lions that terrorized workers building a bridge in Kenya, showcasing the human struggle against nature.

Fact: The film was based on real events, with the actual lion skins being displayed in the Field Museum in Chicago.

Description: This animated adventure follows two Spanish conmen who accidentally discover the legendary city of El Dorado. It's a light-hearted take on the theme of exploration and discovery.

Fact: The film features music by Elton John and Tim Rice, adding to its charm and appeal.

Description: This film explores the arrival of Captain John Smith in Virginia and his encounters with the Native American Pocahontas. It's a poetic depiction of the clash and blending of cultures during the early days of American exploration.

Fact: Terrence Malick, known for his unique filmmaking style, shot the film in Virginia, where the actual events took place.

Description: Although not a real-life explorer, Tintin's adventures capture the spirit of exploration with his quest for the Unicorn, a ship with a hidden treasure. This animated film brings Hergé's comic to life with stunning visuals and a thrilling narrative.

Fact: Steven Spielberg directed this film, and it was his first animated feature. The film uses motion capture technology to bring the characters to life.

Description: This film follows the real-life journey of British explorer Percy Fawcett as he ventures into the Amazon to find an ancient lost city. It's a tale of obsession, exploration, and the clash between civilization and the wild.

Fact: The film was shot in Colombia, which provided a realistic backdrop for the Amazonian jungle. Charlie Hunnam, who plays Fawcett, lost 40 pounds to portray the explorer's physical deterioration.

Description: Based on Thor Heyerdahl's daring 1947 expedition, this film showcases the Norwegian explorer's attempt to prove that Polynesians could have settled in South America by sailing on a balsa wood raft from Peru to Polynesia.

Fact: The film was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. The raft used in the movie was a replica of the original Kon-Tiki, built with traditional methods.

Description: While not a traditional explorer film, it captures the essence of survival and exploration as two strangers must navigate the harsh wilderness after a plane crash in the Rockies.

Fact: The film was shot in Canada, with the actors undergoing survival training to prepare for their roles.

Description: Werner Herzog's film follows a 16th-century Spanish expedition led by the mad conquistador Lope de Aguirre, who searches for the mythical city of El Dorado. It's a dark, intense exploration of human ambition and madness.

Fact: The film was shot in the Amazon jungle with a very small crew, and Herzog himself carried a rifle to fend off any potential threats.

Description: Another Werner Herzog masterpiece, this film tells the story of an opera-loving rubber baron who attempts to build an opera house in the Amazon by dragging a steamship over a mountain.

Fact: The film's most famous scene, where the ship is hauled over a mountain, was done for real, showcasing Herzog's commitment to authenticity.