20 Must-Watch Adventure Movies on Max in May 2024

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Written By William Butterworth

Will Butterworth first started reporting on entertainment news when he was a kid in Barney pajamas giving news reports to his parents while sitting in a cardboard box. Now, he still sits in a cardboard box, but his audience has grown in number (at least that's what his mom tells him). Entertainment junkies unite!

Max has tons of films that can take you to new worlds or get your adrenaline pumping. Take a look at some of the best action and adventure movies on Max before they disappear.

1. The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003)

The Lord of the Rings The Return of the King
Image Credit: New Line Cinema

In the climactic conclusion of the epic saga, Gandalf and Aragorn emerge as pivotal leaders, uniting the World of Men in a bold stand against the malevolent Sauron. Their purpose is twofold: to divert Sauron’s attention from Frodo and Sam, who undertake the perilous journey to Mount Doom to destroy the One Ring, the source of Sauron’s power.

Meanwhile, Aragorn commands the forces of good in a momentous battle against Sauron’s sinister army, waged at the majestic stone city of Minas Tirith.

As the destinies of these two quests intertwine, the fate of Middle-Earth hangs in the balance, with hope and courage igniting the ultimate clash between light and darkness.

2. The Dark Knight (2008)

The Dark Knight 1
Image Credit: Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.

Following his victory against Gotham’s underworld, Batman encounters an unparalleled challenge. The entry of the mysterious and cruel criminal genius, “The Joker,” sparks chaos, pushing Batman to his utmost convictions and abilities.

The equilibrium of the city is at stake, compelling Batman to tackle the Joker’s campaign of terror. This clash leads them both into a psychological exploration, prompting Batman to reevaluate his fundamental principles.

Within the turmoil, an intricate romantic entanglement develops among Bruce Wayne, the recently appointed District Attorney Harvey Dent, and Rachel Dawes. This love triangle adds another layer of complexity to their destinies as they become further embroiled in the struggle for Gotham’s future.

3. The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)

The Lord of the Rings The Fellowship of the Ring
Image Credit: New Line Cinema

In a land threatened by the malevolent Dark Lord Sauron, a timid Hobbit named Frodo unexpectedly inherits a powerful and perilous artifact: the One Ring. Realizing its true nature, Frodo embarks on a daunting mission to dismantle the Ring’s evil grip by venturing to the treacherous Cracks of Doom.

He’s not alone in his quest, as a diverse fellowship forms around him, including the wise wizard Gandalf, valiant Aragorn, skilled archer Legolas, stout-hearted dwarf Gimli, and loyal companions Merry, Pippin, and Samwise.

Through a harrowing journey across daunting landscapes, facing unrelenting challenges, this Fellowship of the Ring races against time to vanquish the One Ring and thwart Sauron’s reign of darkness.

4. The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002)

The Lord of the Rings The Two Towers
Image Credit: New Line Cinema

In the next chapter of their arduous journey, Frodo and Sam draw ever closer to the treacherous land of Mordor, guided by the enigmatic Gollum. Meanwhile, the splintered fellowship unites its remaining strength to confront the formidable alliance between Sauron’s dark forces and the sinister Saruman.

As they face off against Saruman’s hordes from Isengard, Aragorn, Legolas the Elf archer, and Gimli the Dwarf discover the embattled kingdom of Rohan, struggling under the malevolent spell cast by Saruman, which has ensnared their once-great ruler, King Theoden.

Amidst the escalating threats, the destiny of Middle-Earth hangs in a precarious balance, with courage and unity as the only hope against the looming shadows of tyranny and darkness.

5. The Matrix (1999)

The
Image Credit: Warner Bros. Entertainment

Tormented by a sense of unreality, Neo’s perspective is forever altered when an enigmatic stranger introduces him to a hidden underworld. This underworld unveils the startling truth: humanity’s existence is a complex façade created by a malevolent AI. As Neo’s involvement deepens, he crosses paths with Morpheus, a renowned hacker leading the resistance.

Pursued by relentless computer programs, Neo must embrace his role in the rebellion, pitting his skills against overwhelming odds to free humanity from the clutches of the all-powerful machines.

6. Seven Samurai (1954)

Seven Samurai
Image Credit: Toho Company

In a village plagued by bandit exploitation, a skilled veteran samurai is enlisted by desperate farmers to safeguard their livelihoods. Rallying a diverse team of six fellow warriors, he embarks on a mission to shield the vulnerable villagers.

As the samurai forge a bond with the townspeople, they impart the art of self-defense while receiving sustenance in return. The narrative reaches its apex when a fierce showdown unfolds, pitting the united samurai and resilient villagers against a marauding force of 40 bandits, culminating in a breathtaking battle that will test their mettle and determination.

7. The Departed (2006)

The Departed
Image Credit: Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.

In the gritty world of South Boston’s organized crime, an undercover cop, Billy Costigan, and a mole within the police force, Colin Sullivan, find themselves entangled in a dangerous web of deception.

Billy gains the trust of mob boss Frank Costello while Colin rises through the ranks of law enforcement. Both men straddle the line between their double lives, collecting vital information from opposite sides of the law.

As suspicions rise within the criminal and police circles about the presence of a mole, Billy and Colin race against time to unmask each other’s true identities. Loyalties are tested, and the fate of their carefully constructed worlds hangs in the balance as they confront the harsh reality of betrayal and survival.

8. The Dark Knight Rises (2012)

The Dark Knight Rises
Image Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures

Eight years after Batman’s disappearance following the Joker’s chaos, a new threat arises in the form of the ruthless guerrilla terrorist Bane. Batman is coerced out of exile by the mysterious Selina Kyle to protect Gotham from Bane’s plans to destroy the city.

Despite his tarnished reputation, Batman joins forces with Selina to counter Bane’s calculated attacks and save the city. As they navigate Bane’s complex motivations and confront their own inner demons, the fate of Gotham hangs in the balance, leading to a high-stakes showdown between darkness and hope.

9. Princess Mononoke (1997)

Princess Mononoke
Image Credit: Studio Ghibli

In a quest to find a cure for a curse inflicted upon him, Ashitaka becomes entangled in a fierce conflict between the forest gods and Tatara, a mining settlement. As he ventures into the western forests, he encounters San, the fierce Mononoke Hime, raised by wolf gods and fiercely devoted to protecting the wilderness.

The clash intensifies as Lady Eboshi and her clan wield advanced weaponry against the forest deities while Ashitaka strives to bridge the gap between the opposing forces.

Amidst growing tension and misunderstanding, Ashitaka’s efforts for peace are met with resistance, as both sides view him as a supporter of their adversaries.

10. M (1931)

M
Image Credit: Paramount Pictures

In the midst of a chilling wave of child abductions and murders plaguing Berlin, the police force finds itself in a frustrating deadlock. Despite the murderer’s taunting letters published in newspapers and the tense atmosphere, the authorities remain unable to apprehend the culprit.

As public paranoia grows, a blind beggar, unwittingly tied to the case, may hold a crucial clue. Meanwhile, an unexpected twist emerges as the city’s criminal underbelly reluctantly unites with law enforcement to track down the child murderer, but their conflicting motives threaten to tip the scales in favor of the elusive killer.

11. The Flash (2023)

The Flash
Image Credit: DC Entertainment

After the Flash goes back in time to save his family, he ends up creating a future without superheroes. Villains and evil run amok, destroying cities and families everywhere. He has to slip through the multiverse to fix his mistakes and save the world once more.

12. The Meg (2018)

The Meg 1
Image Credit: Di Bonaventura Pictures

Nothing quite says adventure like taking a deep dive to the bottom of the ocean. Except the bottom of the ocean also happens to be the home of a huge, prehistoric, shark. Will the team be able to rescue the researchers at the bottom or will they all become shark food?

13. The Fugitive (1993)

The Fugitive
Image Credit: Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.

Thrillers and action go hand-in-hand. You’ll have the best of both with The Fugitive. It follows a doctor who ends up accused of his wife’s murder. While he tries to clear his name, an FBI agent pursues him looking to bring him to justice.

14. Avatar: The Way of Water (2022)

Avatar The Way of Water
Image Credit: 20th Century Studios

The long-awaited sequel is finally on Max. Avatar: The Way of Water continues the adventures of Jake Sully with the Na’vi people. An old foe returns to threaten the planet once more. Sully will need to find new ways and new allies to fight them.

15. Dunkirk (2017)

Dunkirk 1
Image Credit: Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.

If you want your adventure paired with a good war story, then keep an eye on Dunkirk. It follows a group of soldiers who end up surrounded by the German army. Will they be able to escape or will they end up as another blood smear on the sand?

16. Meg 2: The Trench (2023)

Meg 2 The Trench
Image Credit: Warner Bros.

The deepest parts of the ocean are hiding something. In this sequel, Jonas realizes that it isn’t just one giant shark he has to worry about. There are several. Can he keep them from gaining access to the wider oceans or will the foolish exploits of a deep-sea mining operation endanger everyone?

17. The Batman (2022)

The Batman
Image Credit: Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.

When several key officials in Gotham City end up murdered, it’s time for the city’s best detective to discover who’s behind them all. Unfortunately, Batman may need to look a little closer to home to find out the answers.

18. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (2001)

Harry Potter and the Sorcerers Stone
Image Credit: Warner Bros.

The world of Harry Potter changes forever after he discovers that he’s a wizard. Follow his first adventure in Hogwarts and discover why so many find it difficult to leave its halls.

19. Dune (2021)

Dune
Image Credit: Warner Bros Pictures

Spice is what keeps the universe moving. When a noble family’s claim on the valuable asset comes into question, they must do what they need to do to secure it. Meanwhile, the family’s heir keeps having visions of an even darker future ahead of them.

20. Edge of Tomorrow (2014)

Edge of Tomorrow 1
Image Credit: Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.

If you want action, then you can count on Tom Cruise. In Edge of Tomorrow, he plays a soldier with a unique trait. He keeps dying and coming back to life. That enables him to determine which strategies work and don’t work against an invading alien army.

The 20 Best Action Movies of All Time: Thrilling Adventures That Will Leave You Breathless

Inception For MSN
Photo Credit: Warner Bros. Entertainment, Inc.

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The 20 Best Adventure Movies of All Time: Embark on Epic Quests and Thrilling Expeditions!

Interstellar for MSN
Photo Credit: Warner Bros. Entertainment, Inc. and Paramount Pictures Corporation.

Embark on an epic adventure through the greatest films of all time! Get ready for thrilling plots, heroic acts, and mesmerizing worlds that will leave you in awe. From Middle-earth’s epic battles to interstellar voyages, these 20 movies will take you on an unforgettable cinematic journey. Grab your popcorn, settle in, and let the adventure begin!

The 20 Best Thriller Movies Ever Made: Heart-Stopping Must-See Films

Fight Club MSN 20th Century
Photo Credit: 20th Century Fox.

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