12 Best Movies Like The Goonies to Watch Next (2026)
Searching for movies like The Goonies? Find treasure hunts, kid-led adventures, and funny rescue stories with The Goonies, Hook, E.T., and more.
If you’re searching for movies like The Goonies, the best picks usually mix a sense of adventure with humor, family stakes, and a little danger along the way. That’s exactly why titles such as E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, Hook, and Adventures in Babysitting fit so well on this list. You’ll also find treasure-hunt and rescue stories like Candleshoe, Sahara, and Cutthroat Island, plus harder-edged options like Commando and Rambo: First Blood Part II for viewers who want more action. Whether you want kids-and-family energy, a comedy with a wild quest, or an old-school adventure, this lineup gives you plenty to explore.
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01
Silverado
2 Oscar nominations
action & adventure · drama · western
Four unwitting heroes cross paths on their journey to the sleepy town of Silverado. Little do they know the town where their family and friends reside has been taken over by a corrupt sheriff and a murderous posse. It's up to the sharp-shooting foursome to save the day, but first they have to break each other out of jail, and learn who their real friends are.
Why watch: If you enjoy ensemble adventures with a small-town showdown, Silverado is a good fit. Its western setting and mix of action and drama make it appealing for viewers who want a broader, more adult-leaning adventure story.
Directed by Lawrence KasdanCast Kevin Kline, Scott Glenn, Kevin Costner, Danny Glover, Marvin J. McIntyreTubiMore details on IMDb → -
02
Commando
action · adventure · thriller
John Matrix, the former leader of a special commando strike force that always got the toughest jobs done, is forced back into action when his young daughter is kidnapped. To find her, Matrix has to fight his way through an array of punks, killers, one of his former commandos, and a fully equipped private army. With the help of a feisty stewardess and an old friend, Matrix has only a few hours to overcome his greatest challenge: finding his daughter before she's killed.
Why watch: If you want a faster, more intense action pick, Commando fits well. It keeps the rescue premise front and center and leans into adventure and thriller elements rather than family comedy.
Directed by Mark L. LesterCast Arnold Schwarzenegger, Rae Dawn Chong, Dan Hedaya, Vernon Wells, James OlsonTubiMore details on IMDb → -
03
Candleshoe
adventure · comedy · drama · family
When ex-con artist Harry claims that a secret treasure is hidden inside Candleshoe, an English estate, he creates an elaborate plan to find and steal the prize. By convincing a girl named Casey to impersonate the estate owner's long-lost granddaughter, Harry hopes to uncover the treasure's location. But when Casey has a change of heart, she must follow the clues and find the treasure, in order to save Candleshoe and stop Harry before it is too late.
Why watch: If you like treasure clues and a light family adventure setup, Candleshoe is worth a look. Its mix of adventure, comedy, drama, and family makes it an easy match for viewers who want a gentler quest story.
Directed by Norman TokarCast David Niven, Helen Hayes, Jodie Foster, Leo McKern, Veronica QuilliganDisney PlusMore details on IMDb → -
04
The Stabilizer
action & adventure · crime · mystery & thriller
Peter Goldson, aka The Stabilizer, searches for drug smuggler Greg Rainmaker. Rainmaker killed Goldson's fiancee by kicking her with his spiked shoes, and now Goldson wants revenge. Meanwhile, Rainmaker has kidnapped the famous Professor Protost, and the Stabilizer teams up with his daughter Christina to save the Professor and bring Rainmaker down for good.
Why watch: If you prefer action with crime and mystery on top, The Stabilizer may appeal to you. The revenge-driven setup gives it a tougher edge than most family adventure picks.
Directed by ArizalCast Peter O'Brian, Craig Gavin, Gillie Beanz, Dana Christina, Harry CapriFreeveeMore details on IMDb → -
05
Rambo: First Blood Part II
1 Oscar nomination
action · adventure · thriller
John Rambo is released from prison by the government for a top-secret covert mission to the last place on Earth he'd want to return - the jungles of Vietnam.
Why watch: If you want a mission-focused adventure with a high-stakes rescue angle, Rambo: First Blood Part II could work. It suits viewers who are open to a more intense, straightforward action-thriller tone.
Directed by George P. CosmatosCast Sylvester Stallone, Richard Crenna, Charles Napier, Steven Berkoff, Julia NicksonTubiMore details on IMDb → -
06
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
Won 4 Oscars Best Picture (1983) · 9 nominations
action & adventure · kids & family · science-fiction
An alien is left behind on Earth and saved by the 10-year-old Elliott who decides to keep him hidden in his home. While a task force hunts for the extra-terrestrial, Elliott, his brother, and his little sister Gertie form an emotional bond with their new friend, and try to help him find his way home.
Why watch: If what you love most is the heart of a child-centered adventure, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial is an easy recommendation. Its family and science-fiction mix gives it a warm, imaginative feel that pairs well with quest stories.
Directed by Steven SpielbergCast Dee Wallace, Henry Thomas, Peter Coyote, Robert MacNaughton, Drew BarrymoreStarzMore details on IMDb → -
07
Sahara
action · adventure · comedy
Seasoned adventurer and treasure hunter Dirk Pitt, a former Navy SEAL, sets out for the African desert with his wisecracking buddy Al in search of a confederate ironclad battleship rumored to have vanished long ago, the main draw being the treasure supposedly hidden within the lost vessel. When the daring duo come across Dr. Eva Rojas, a beautiful scientist who is juggling an escape from a warlord and a mission to stop the spread of a powerful plague, their desert expedition begins to heat up.
Why watch: If you enjoy treasure hunting with comedy baked in, Sahara is a strong choice. The adventure setup and wisecracking buddy dynamic make it a good pick for viewers who want a bigger, globe-trotting search.
Directed by Breck EisnerCast Matthew McConaughey, Mark Aspinall, Steve Zahn, Rakie Ayola, Penélope CruzStarzMore details on IMDb → -
08
Breaking In
action & adventure · crime · mystery & thriller
Shaun Russell takes her son and daughter on a weekend getaway to her late father's secluded, high-tech vacation home in the countryside. The family soon gets an unwelcome surprise when four men break into the house to find hidden money. After managing to escape, Shaun must now figure out a way to turn the tables on the desperate thieves and save her captive children.
Why watch: If you like home-invasion stories where a parent has to fight back, Breaking In may be the right pick. Its crime and thriller elements make it a more suspenseful match than a lighthearted adventure film.
Directed by James McTeigueCast Gabrielle Union, Billy Burke, Richard Cabral, Ajiona Alexus, Levi MeadenMaxMore details on IMDb → -
09
Adventure Club
adventure · family
With the discovery of an ancient puzzle box, a Boy, with the help of his friends, begins an adventure to find his fortune.
Why watch: If you want a kid-led adventure built around a puzzle box and a search for fortune, Adventure Club fits neatly. It is best for viewers who like family-friendly quest stories with an exploratory feel.
Directed by Geoff AndersonCast Sam Ashe Arnold, Jakob Davies, Dalila Bela, Robin Dunne, Gabrielle MillerAmazon Prime VideoTubiFreeveeMore details on IMDb → -
10
Hook
5 Oscar nominations
action & adventure · comedy · fantasy · kids & family
The boy who wasn't supposed to grow up—Peter Pan—does just that, becoming a soulless corporate lawyer whose workaholism could cost him his wife and kids. During his trip to see Granny Wendy in London, the vengeful Capt. Hook kidnaps Peter's kids and forces Peter to return to Neverland.
Why watch: If you want fantasy mixed with comedy and family adventure, Hook is a natural choice. It works well for viewers who enjoy a story centered on kids, danger, and a well-known adventure framework.
Directed by Steven SpielbergCast Dustin Hoffman, Robin Williams, Julia Roberts, Bob Hoskins, Maggie SmithPeacock PremiumMore details on IMDb → -
11
Adventures in Babysitting
adventure · comedy · crime · romance
When plans with her boyfriend fall through, high school senior Chris Parker ends up babysitting the Anderson kids, Brad and Sara. What should be a quiet night in, however, turns into a series of ridiculous exploits, starting when they leave the house to pick up Chris' friend Brenda. Soon, Brad's buddy Daryl is involved, and the group must contend with car thieves, blues musicians and much more.
Why watch: If you like a teen adventure that turns an ordinary night into a chain of wild problems, Adventures in Babysitting is a good match. Its comedy and crime blend should appeal to anyone who enjoys a fast-moving, youthful caper.
Directed by Chris ColumbusCast Elisabeth Shue, Maia Brewton, Keith Coogan, Anthony Rapp, Calvin LevelsDisney PlusMore details on IMDb → -
12
Cutthroat Island
action · adventure · comedy
Morgan Adams and her slave, William Shaw, are on a quest to recover the three portions of a treasure map. Unfortunately, the final portion is held by her murderous uncle, Dawg. Her crew is skeptical of her leadership abilities, so she must complete her quest before they mutiny against her. This is made yet more difficult by the efforts of the British crown to end her pirate raids.
Why watch: If you’re in the mood for a pirate treasure chase with action and comedy, Cutthroat Island is an easy fit. It suits viewers who want a swashbuckling adventure with a quest at its core.
Directed by Renny HarlinCast Geena Davis, Matthew Modine, Frank Langella, Maury Chaykin, Patrick MalahideTubiMore details on IMDb →
Wrapping Up
This list brings together family-friendly quests, comic chaos, and action-driven rescues, so it should be easy to find something that matches the mood you want. From treasure searches to kid-centered escapades, each pick offers a different spin on the same adventurous spirit that makes The Goonies so rewatchable. Bookmark this page and come back whenever you want a fresh recommendation, because it’s updated regularly with new ideas and refinements. If you’re building a watchlist, this is a solid place to start and return to.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes these movies similar to The Goonies?
These picks were matched by tone, themes, and story style using a similarity model trained on plot synopses, genres, and cast — not just shared genre tags — so the connection runs deeper than a simple category match.