After a hard day, week, or even a year, sometimes all you need to do is stick your eyes into your laptop screen and spend the entire night laughing, snorting, and crying over a comforting TV series or a feel-good film and teleport yourself into the fictional world where your everyday worries and issues don’t exist or matter.

Thankfully, Netflix is filled to the brim with heartwarming TV shows that envelop you like a hug whenever you want to abandon all your duties and tasks and just binge a show with ice cream, popcorn, or takeout to keep you company. There’s no shortage of these comforting shows that viewers can choose from at any given time.

25

‘My Life with the Walter Boys’ (2023–)

Based on Ali Novak’s eponymous novel, My Life with the Walter Boys centers on the recently orphaned 15-year-old Jackie Howard (Nikki Rodriguez), who loses her entire family in a tragic accident and is forced to leave Manhattan and relocate to Colorado to live on a ranch with her mother’s best friend, Katherine Walter (Sarah Rafferty), her husband George (Marc Blucas), and their ten children. While she processes her loss and grieving, Jackie also develops a strong friendship with two of the Walter brothers, the reliable, nerdy Alex (Ashby Gentry) and the troubled Cole (Noah Lalonde).

With themes of grief, loss, and resilience, My Life with the Walter Boys makes for a wholesome, feel-good show about self-discovery and finding comfort and hope in friendships. As Jackie learns to fit herself within her new family and adapt to their charming community, the narrative also emphasizes her emotional challenges and the joys of newfound friendships.

24

‘XO Kitty’ (2023–)

A spin-off of the To All the Boys film series, created by Jenny Han, who also penned the To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before novel trilogy, XO Kitty marks the first Netflix series based on a Netflix original film. XO Kitty follows the titular protagonist, Kitty Song Covey (Anna Cathcart), the youngest of the Covey sisters (from the films), who leaves her home in Portland, Oregon, and sets off to attend the Korean Independent School of Seoul, reuniting with her long-distance boyfriend, Dae (Minyeong Choi).

A hearty mix of fun characters and a sweet underlying plot, XO Kitty is an adorable yet underrated coming-of-age series where Kitty embarks on a quest to find true love and find herself in a new place among new friends. Like the films, the spin-off series also offers comforting, feel-good moments, nicely balancing a fairytale-like love story with plot twists and turns and adolescent drama.

23

‘Virgin River’ (2019–)

Adapted from Robyn Carr’s novel of the same name, Virgin River follows the journey of Melinda “Mel” Monroe (Alexandra Breckenridge), a nurse who moves from Los Angeles to the titular town in Northern California to leave her past behind and start afresh. As Mel begins a new life in Virgin River, among new people, she realizes that the new town is different than what she had imagined and holds many surprises in store for her. Treading through the good, bad, and emotional, Mel learns to rediscover herself, and her stance on love and life, carving her own niche within the close-knit community of the river town.

A romantic drama from the creator of Good Witch, every season of Virgin River is similarly comforting, exploring interesting characters in a quaint small town. The Netflix original romance drama has been critically acclaimed for its emotionally and visually gratifying narrative, scenic settings, and the romanticism of life that would instantly lift your spirits.

22

‘Gilmore Girls’ (2000–2007)

Regarded as one of the best TV dramas of all time, Gilmore Girls follows the journeys of single mother, Lorelai Gilmore, and her intellectual teen daughter, Rory, who steer through the ups and downs of family, love life, and ambitions, in the charming town of Stars Hollow, Connecticut. Starring Lauren Graham and Alexis Bledel as the titular protagonists, the series explores the mother-daughter relationship from a unique and heartfelt perspective.

Gilmore Girls was widely acclaimed and became one of the most popular comedy shows of the 2000s, evolving as a cult classic in the genre. The comedy-drama has been praised for its distinct narrative style and compelling cast performances, especially that of Graham. Even though the series depicts a romanticized view of the classic small-town life, Gilmore Girls never loses its depth when dealing with strong themes like family, single motherhood, teenage pregnancy, and the complexities of teenage romance.

21

‘Survival of the Thickest’ (2023 –)

Based on actor-comedian-producer Michelle Buteau’s autobiographical essay of the same name, Survival of the Thickest narrates the story of a 38-year-old plus-size fashion stylist, Mavis (Buteau), whose life turns upside down after a breakup. When she discovers her supportive, long-term fashion photographer boyfriend and business partner, Jacques, is cheating on her, Mavis sets out on her own to fulfill her dream of becoming a lead stylist, with the help of her friends and family, a little bit of lip gloss, and a big body-positive attitude.

From Buteau’s charming on-screen persona and incredible comedy delivery to a highly inspiring narrative on body positivity, Survival of the Thickest is a cozy slice-of-life comedy with relatable characters. While humorous, the series never forgets where its true essence lies. Mavis’s struggles as she sets out to build her life on her own terms can make you emotional, and her outlook on life can make you laugh in the same breath.

20

‘Kim’s Convenience’ (2016–2021)

It’s TV’s favorite Korean-Canadian family in Kim’s Convenience. Set in the urban landscape of Toronto’s Moss Park neighborhood, Mr. Sang-il Kim (Paul Sun-Hyung Lee) and Mrs. Yong-mi Kim (Jean Yoon), a.k.a. “Appa” and “Umma”, run a quaint little convenience store by the corner of a busy street, where they greet customers from all walks of life. As first-generation immigrants, their endearing lack of generational/cross-cultural knowledge sometimes puts them in hilariously awkward situations. From giving the memorable “gay discount” to not offering tips to service workers, despite having settled in Canada for quite a while, the two still have a lot to learn.

A show that strives for Asian-American representation, Kim’s Convenience injects Korean cultural references while keeping it fun and fresh, such as Appa demonstrating Hapkido and certain superstitions in Korean culture (e.g. writing your name in red ink is only for the deceased). But what makes Kim’s Convenience endearing is how, like most people of older generations, Appa and Umma genuinely want to keep up with the modern times. With two Canadian-born children, the estranged son Jung Kim (Simu Liu) and artsy photography student Janet Kim (Andrea Bang), there are bound to be clashes along the way. But at the end of the day, they all learn to forgive each other and are willing to learn from their mistakes. – Dyah Ayu Larasati

19

‘Dash & Lily’ (2020)

As bright and cheery as Christmas lights, Dash & Lily is a holiday teen rom-com based on David Levithan and Rachel Cohn‘s book Dash & Lily’s Book of Dares. The Netflix series follows the budding romance between two New York teens, Dash (Austin Abrams) and Lily (Midori Francis). Although they’ve never met, they keep fortuitously trading a notebook back and forth, sending each other on dares around the city during Christmastime.

The holiday season doubles the magic of this whimsical tale of two teenagers discovering themselves and their love for each other, though it’s still fun to watch during any other time of the year. With the power to lighten up the grumpiest Grinch with the coldest and smallest of hearts, Dash & Lily is the secret to feel-good shows on Netflix.

18

‘Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt’ (2015–2020)

After being freed from being held captive by a doomsday cult leader for 15 years, Kimmy Schmidt (Ellie Kemper) is left with a large sum of money and her entire life to figure out. Instead of going back to her Bunker Memories in Indiana, she decides to stay in New York City. When a penny-pinching, in-need-of-a-roommate Broadway actor, Titus Andromedon (Tituss Burgess), takes her in and teaches her necessary life skills, the sky’s the limit for Kimmy.

Produced by Robert Carlock, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt clings to 30 Rock‘s goofy sense of humor and drops the cynicism. Kimmy emerges as one of television’s most likable characters yet, as she goes through each day with infectious optimism and a unique curiosity that inspires viewers to embrace similar traits in themselves.

17

‘Firefly Lane’ (2021–2023)

Based on the eponymous novel by Kristin Hannah, Firefly Lane, follows two childhood friends and their lifelong friendship. Starring Katherine Heigl and Sarah Chalk, Firefly Lane focuses on Tully Hart (Heigl) and Kate Mularkey (Chalke), and their friendship for over three decades as they navigate the ups and downs in various aspects of their lives. A series focuses on the two women and their friendship, which progresses and evolves through college life, marriage, parenthood, and midlife crisis, joining the list of similar shows about female friendships that will warm your heart.

The drama series has been well-received by fans and critics alike and has been praised for touching upon important issues like addiction, ageism, and sexual abuse. Firefly Lane is a touching, emotional, and understated portrayal of female friendships, and addresses several realistic topics. With only two seasons, it is a short and sweet series with strong narrative and powerful characterizations, portrayed brilliantly by Heigl and Chalke.

Jerry Seinfeld developed, directed, and hosted the online series and wholly unique talk show Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee. Each episode shows Seinfeld driving about in a different classic car, picking up a fellow comedian, and then going out for coffee and chatting. What do they talk about? Everything and nothing. It all depends on who the lucky guest is.

With its innovative premise and engaging and hilarious host, Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee is a wonderful gem of a show. From Tina Fey to Barack Obama, the show has featured a number of the industry’s funniest and most intriguing personalities. The series, now streaming on Netflix, will have viewers laughing out loud and enjoying Seinfeld’s interaction with his guests. What’s not to love about a great combination of comedy, cars, and coffee?

The generational divide is an intangible thing because there is no clear boundary that divides every generation. Frankly, a Gen Zer from 1997 may relate more to Millennials than to younger Gen Zers. But as time passes and Gen Zers continue to establish themselves as adults in the world, they have continued to create their own culture.

For more than a decade, we’ve seen shows following the Millennial experience, but in recent years, we’ve slowly seen shows about the Gen Z experience. It’s debated, but generally, Gen Zers were born between 1997 and 2012. We’re now seeing multiple mainstream shows depicting the experiences of the older Gen Zers. If you are Gen Z and want to feel seen, these are the shows you need to check out.

7

‘The Z-Suite’ (2025 – Present)

Besides being an ad-supported streaming service, Tubi has its own original content as well. Since 2021, the streaming service has produced original movies, documentaries, unscripted series, and a handful of scripted shows. Among those scripted shows is workplace comedy The Z-Suite. Largely ignored by mainstream media, probably because it was on Tubi, the show premiered on February 6, 2025. All eight episodes premiered, starring Lauren Graham (from Gilmore Girls and Parenthood) as an out-of-touch ad executive who is fired by her boss and replaced by her Gen Z interns. From there, we see a light-hearted competition between Graham and her sidekick, played by Nico Santos, as the two “older cast members.”

The rest are a variety of Gen Zers. While the show is definitely not the best comedy, it grows on you. The Z-Suite starts as a painfully stereotypical show, but as you continue watching it, you notice the stereotypes are intentionally being played with. The entire series is mocking older and younger generations, while also highlighting our similarities and strengths. Overall, it’s a funny show about generational differences.

6

‘Never Have I Ever’ (2020 – 2023)

Known mostly for her work on The Office and The Mindy Project, where she wrote behind the scenes and acted in front of the screen, Mindy Kaling stepped exclusively behind the camera for Netflix’s Never Have I Ever. Running for four 10-episode seasons, the high school comedy follows Devi, who is temporarily paralyzed after the traumatic event of watching her father pass away in front of her. One day, she miraculously regains movement and is now dedicated to making her next year of high school the best one yet.

Featuring a South Asian family at the center of the series, the Netflix show was praised for breaking stereotypes. The show has also launched the careers of Maitreyi Ramakrishnan and Darren Barnet, along with Poorna Jagannathan as Devi’s mother. While being a light-hearted comedy, Never Have I Ever also explores grief and depicts a growth arc for the main character with the help of therapy.

5

‘Sex Education’ (2019 – 2023)

Netflix’s Sex Education brought the sex-positive aspect of the Gen Z generation to the small screen. Taking place in a small fictional U.K. town, a sex therapist’s son decides to become a sex therapist for his classmates. He meets with them and provides them with tips surrounding intimacy, sexuality, safety, and so on. The comedy expertly ridicules the awkwardness of all of these things, but also portrays honest and vulnerable conversations that we rarely see shown in popular media.

Rather than shaming anything in the series, it always approached it with no judgment. The cast of the show was also impressive, featuring Asa Butterfield and Gillian Anderson playing son and mother. Sex Education was also the breakthrough for Ncuti Gatwa, who went on to become the 15th Doctor on Doctor Who.

4

‘Heartstopper’ (2022 – Present)

Based on Alice Oseman’s webcomic of the same name, Heartstopper became an international hit for Netflix. The series has repeatedly been featured on Netflix’s Top 10 List and has been critically acclaimed. The rom-com series is praised for its positive representation of LGBTQ+ people and for having a warm and comic-like aesthetic. So far, Heartstopper has had three seasons and 24 episodes.

The coming-of-age show will end with a movie titled Heartstopper Forever, with a planned release date of 2026. The first season won five awards at the first Children’s and Family Emmy Awards. It has also launched massive careers for both Kit Connor and Joe Locke. Locke could be seen in Marvel’s Agatha All Along, while Connor was in 2025’s Warfare. Rhea Norwood will appear in Netflix’s upcoming adaptation of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. This series is a great depiction of romance and identity for the Gen Z generation.

3

‘Sex Lives of College Girls’ (2021 – 2025)

After creating Never Have I Ever, Kaling went ahead and created another successful series, but this time for Max, Sex Lives of College Girls. Unlike Never Have I Ever, Sex Lives of College Girls didn’t get a proper finale and was cancelled after three seasons. This teen dramedy follows four 18-year-old freshman girls who are roommates at a fictional Vermont college. Each of the four girls is radically different, and the series follows their individual journeys as they explore their identities and sexual experiences in college. The four girls were played by Pauline Chalamet, Amrit Kaur, Reneé Rapp, and Alyah Chanelle Scott.

After achieving success in the music world and the musical-movie adaptation of Mean Girls, Rapp left the series at the beginning of the third season. Despite its premature cancellation, Sex Lives of College Girls is a refreshing take on the Gen Z college experience without playing into stereotypes.

2

‘Adults’ (2025 – Present)

2025 has several significant additions to television’s representation of the Gen Z experience. One of this year’s favorites is FX’s comedy, Adults. With only eight episodes, the Gen Z ensemble comedy is an easy and enjoyable watch. The series follows a group of five friends (two of whom are a couple) living in their Queens apartment together.

Think a Gen Z version of some mix of Friends, Girls, and something new. The characters are messy, ridiculous, complicated, and wonderful to watch. The core five are played by Malik Elassal, Lucy Freyer, Jack Innanen, Amita Rao, and Owen Thiele. Each of them has great chemistry with the others that only improves when they are all in the same room together. The cherry on top is Charlie Cox as the questionable (and hilarious) Mr. Teacher.

1

‘Overcompensating’ (2025 – Present)

Social media personality Benito Skinner brought his pop culture-infused humor to Amazon Prime. Created, co-written, and starring Skinner, Overcompensating is Gen Z’s favorite new dramedy. Loosely based on Skinner’s own experiences in college, the college drama follows Benny, a closeted football high school star, going to college and trying to figure out who he is outside of his small town.

The best part of the series is not only how Benny slowly figures out who he is, but also his beautiful friendship with his new best friend, Carmen. The comedy is raunchy, hilarious, and definitely has the same energy as college comedies from the 2000s and early 2010s. Despite mainly being hilarious, the show has a heartfelt center that makes you fall in love with the cast from its very first episode.

Next: 10 Best Gen Z Shows, Ranked

No one’s particularly keen about seeing the inside of a prison, but for those infinitely curious, watching a show about one is one of the most harmless ways to do it. These shows often depict people who’ve gotten on the law’s wrong side, but also those who were unfairly locked up. It’s an interesting setting for a human story and a story about human character.

From Black Bird to Oz, the ten best shows about prison depict intricate relationships between inmates and the lives that led to them getting imprisoned, and some are even great comedies, too. Whatever you’re in the mood for, one of these shows, if not all, will be your next great viewing material.

10

‘Porridge’ (1974–1977)

Created by Dick Clement and Ian La Frenais

Porridge is a prison-based sitcom set in a fictional prison called HMP Slade. The protagonists are Norman Stanley Fletcher (Ronnie Barker) and Lennie Godber (Richard Beckinsale), who are cellmates at Slade. Their lives are depicted through friendship, but also their confrontations with prison guards. The show is delightfully witty and clever, and it was a historically relevant piece of television across the UK. It’s one of the more humorous approaches to depicting prison life, but comedy belongs in most parts of life, which Porridge expertly proves.

Porridge consistently ranked among Britain’s greatest comedies; one former inmate wrote that Porridge was the go-to TV show when he was serving time in prison, saying that the writers very successfully depicted the relationships between the inmates and the prison guards. The show also contributed some new slang words and neologisms to the English language, leaving a lasting legacy. If the name Richard Beckinsale seems familiar, he is Kate Beckinsale’s father and one of the biggest TV stars of the 1970s.

9

‘Wentworth’ (2013–2021)

Created by Lara Radulovich, David Hannam, and Reg Watson

Wentworth is a modern, gritty reimagining of the classic Australian soap opera called Prisoner. Reg Watson created Prisoner, then Lara Radulovich and David Hannam based Wentworth on his idea, creating a sort of remake and an homage. Wentworth is big and known for its strong character arcs, as well as the often unflinching look at women’s prisons. The star of the show is Danielle Cormack, who carries the show with her powerhouse performance, though Nicole da Silva overtakes her in the number of episodes she appears in.

Wentworth follows Bea Smith (Cormack) for its first four seasons, showing her arrival in prison after being sentenced for the attempted murder of her husband. The series depicts her rise through the prison’s hierarchy, showing some colorful and interesting characters around her along the way. Wentworth has eight seasons and is one of the most watched Australian dramas of all time; the first episode alone remains the most watched on Foxtel, an Australian pay-per-view channel.

8

‘Prison Break’ (2005–2017)

Created by Paul Scheuring

Prison Break might be the most famous prison-based series around the globe, since it’s still often shown through reruns in certain countries. Everyone knows who Michael Scofield is, including his incredibly ingenious plan to get his brother out of prison. The show still has plenty of worldwide fans, so word of a potential Prison Break reboot isn’t surprising at all. Whether it’s really necessary is a different kind of problem, though.

Prison Break follows Michael Scofield (Wentworth Miller), who gets himself locked up in the same prison as his brother Lincoln (Dominic Purcell). Lincoln has been unfairly imprisoned, and Michael has an elaborate plan to get him out, not caring what happens to him along the way. Besides the two iconic brothers, this breakout thriller has brilliant and highly memorable side characters, including Sucre, T-Bag, Abruzzi, Haywire, and C-Note. When you see it, you’ll know what this sentence means. The show has five seasons, but the first two are especially tense and remain fan favorites.

7

‘Locked Up’ (2015–2019)

Created by Iván Escobar, Esther Martínez Lobato, Álex Pina, and Daniel Écijas

Álex Pina is the creator of Money Heist, but he was first one of the people in the writers’ room for Vis A Vis, aka Locked Up. The show is available on Netflix and stars Money Heist’s most popular actresses, Najwa Nimri and Alba Flores, who were the definitive fan favorites, Alicia Sierra and Nairobi (respectively). Locked Up is a story about a women’s prison, full of intense twists, turns, and ideas. There are escapes, power plays, gorgeous prison queens, and a lot of action for a show set in a fairly monotone setting.

Locked Up follows Macarena Molina (Maggie Civantos), who gets involved with a married man; after he frames her for embezzlement, she ends up in a maximum security prison with other dangerous inmates. The queen of prison, Zulema (Nimri), takes Macarena under her wing; Macarena takes some time to get used to the tough conditions of the prison. Besides Macarena, viewers quickly find themselves cheering for plenty of other side characters, including Zulema, Saray (Flores), and Rizos (Berta Vázquez).

6

‘Time’ (2021–)

Created by Jimmy McGovern

Jimmy McGovern, creator of Moving On, created Time in 2021, starring Sean Bean and Stephen Graham. The show is gripping and portrays prison life and moral dilemmas faced by both inmates and prison guards in what many people say are great and scarily accurate ways. Season 2 stars Jodie Whittaker and Bella Ramsey, and both installments have three episodes each. To make the entire thing feel more accurate and cold, the show was filmed in a decommissioned prison in Shrewsbury.

Season 1 of Time follows former teacher, now prisoner, Mark (Bean), who is completely new to prison life and its dynamics. Mark befriends a prison guard, Eric (Graham), who promises to protect Mark from harm in the harsh prison environment. Time Season 2 follows three women inmates—Orla (Whittaker), Abi (Tamara Lawrance), and Kelsey (Ramsey)—just starting their prison sentences. Both seasons are quite grim and realistic, but they’re also hard to look away from. As with most British series, this one’s a banger, too, and done with great dedication.

5

‘Orange Is the New Black’ (2013–2019)

Created by Jenji Kohan

One of the most iconic streaming shows of all time, Orange Is the New Black, was based on real life. Piper Kerman wrote a memoir depicting her life in prison and transformation, and Jenji Kohan (Weeds) turned it into a groundbreaking dramedy that held us by our imaginary shirt collars for around six years. OITNB is humanizing, emotional, and socially conscious in most episodes, discovering, uncovering, and covering some heavy and often controversial topics. For a long time, OITNB was Netflix’s longest-running original drama, but it’s now being surpassed by Virgin River, which was renewed for season eight before the seventh even came out.

Orange Is the New Black starts off with Piper (Taylor Schilling), who gets sentenced to 15 months in a minimum-security women’s prison called Litchfield. Piper gets sentenced for transporting a suitcase full of drug money for her girlfriend, Alex Vause (Laura Prepon), though she only gets convicted after Alex names her in her trial. Reunited, Piper and Alex spark their relationship once again. However, the show soon turns into a powerful ensemble series, introducing viewers to iconic OITNB characters like Taystee (Danielle Brooks), Red (Kate Mulgrew), and Nicky (Natasha Lyonne).

4

‘The Night Of’ (2016)

Created by Richard Price and Steven Zaillian

The Night Of is an underrated crime show, often cited among the greatest HBO miniseries. It’s truly a gripping tale of how the legal system works, especially when it comes to working in the favor of (or against) people of color; the ethical and emotional stakes of the show add a greater impact when you watch how much “gymnastics” are required in getting the law to work in the favor of a man who claims his innocence. While lawyers fight from the outside, prison life eats away at a young man implicated in a murder case, never really clearing up whether he was guilty or not.

The Night Of is about Naz Khan (Riz Ahmed), a Pakistani-American student who borrows his father’s cab to go to a party one night. He picks up a woman, they party, and then they spend the night together. When Naz wakes up in the morning, he sees her dead next to him, without remembering whether he’s the one who killed her. Becoming the primary suspect, Naz is taken as a client by the hardworking and just lawyer John Stone (John Turturro). The Night Of doesn’t seem to care too much whether you believe Naz is guilty or not; it just wants to show you what it takes for someone like him to be heard.

3

‘Black Bird’ (2022)

Created by Dennis Lehane

Black Bird is another fairly underrated miniseries with a haunting true story as its inspiration. It’s a six-part show, but it stays in your memory for a long time after you’ve watched it. Taron Egerton and Paul Walter Hauser are powerhouses in it, with Hauser winning a Golden Globe for his portrayal of real-life serial killer Larry Hall. The show is highly rated—for good reason—and it’s chilling and often really intense and exciting. A thriller masterclass.

Black Bird follows Jimmy Keene (Egerton), a Chicago-based crook who gets caught tampering with drugs. Due to prior misdemeanors and crimes, Keene gets ten years without a chance of parole; however, an FBI agent approaches him with an offer to drop all charges against him if he agrees to be transferred to a prison for the criminally insane and elicit a confession to several unsolved murders from serial killer Larry Hall (Hauser). Keene, naturally charming and a great storyteller, bonds with Hall, to his own mental detriment. It’s a brilliant show and one of the best thriller miniseries ever made.

2

‘Escape at Dannemora’ (2018)

Created by Brett Johnson and Michael Tolkin

Escape at Dannemora is also underrated and also a great miniseries based on a true story. This one is much different from Black Bird or The Night Of; it depicts the escape of prisoners Richard Matt and David Sweat, which took place in 2015, and was aided by prison worker Joyce “Tilly” Mitchell. This story was gripping news back in the day, and writers Brett Johnson and Michael Tolkin wrote a worthy adaptation, which was directed by Ben Stiller in its entirety. Benicio del Toro, Paul Dano, and Patricia Arquette portray the prison-breaking trio, and it’s hard to decide who gives a better performance out of the three.

Escape at Dannemora is set in the Clinton Correctional Facility in upstate New York. The show opens with the arrest of Mitchell (Arquette), Matt (del Toro), and Sweat (Dano), and Mitchell retells the events before the escape. She reveals that she had a secret affair with Sweat during her working hours and explains how Matt became a part of the escape plan. Gritty, dark, and often eerie, Escape at Dannemora captures the feeling of an uneventful life, prison life, and the psyches of the escaped inmates.

1

‘Oz’ (1997–2003)

Created by Tom Fontana

Many say that the first true TV drama was The Sopranos, but Oz beat them to it by two years. Released in 1997, Oz was the first one-hour television drama commissioned by HBO, and it contained a lot of the things the networks were afraid of airing—coarse language, violence, drug use, sex, and—perhaps most controversially—deep dives into the psyches of all sorts of people, from the terrible ones to some good ones. Oz is brutal and relentless, often named claustrophobic and dizzying by critics; set entirely in prison, the great ceiling lights can become too much for anyone to continue binge-watching it.

Oz is short for Oswald State Correctional Facility, a maximum-security prison. The name Oz is also an homage to The Wizard of Oz, with one wing of the prison being aptly named Emerald City or Em City; the manager of Em City, Tim McManus (Terry Kinney), emphasizes rehabilitation rather than punishment, balancing the number of people belonging to various factions. Despite his efforts, the inmates still often clash and go through various traumatic experiences. Oz, in the simplest way said, cast a long shadow on TV storytelling; anything after it could only outdo it by little, with The Sopranos becoming its biggest and proudest successor.

NEXT:The Best HBO Max Shows That Are Longer Than 5 Seasons

Who can mistake the child-like appeal of movies like The Goonies and television shows like The Librarians where there are no limits as they go off in search of dazzling treasures worth more than money and adventures they’ll remember forever? With some buzz around a possible National Treasure 3 in development, treasure-hunting movies and series must be binged.

While the tropes of travel, history, mysteries, and artifacts stay the same, these treasure-hunting films and series include unique ways of telling each adventurous journey into the unknown. With some being adapted from movies and video games to original stories, these action-packed series and movies will get you in the mood for treasure-hunting! TV shows and movies about treasure hunting aren’t going out of style, with the very best ones capturing the thrill that comes with the search.

30. ‘Without a Paddle’ (2004)

Directed by Steven Brill

There’s something endearing about underrated early 2000s comedies, and Without a Paddle is a classic! After the death of a close childhood friend, Matthew Lillard, Seth Green, and Dax Shepard star as Jerry, Dan, and Tom decide to take the trip they dreamed of as children; to find DB Cooper’s Treasure.

A down-to-earth adventure film, Without a Paddle is a story about friendship and keeping the inner child alive. The mix of personalities from Seth Green’s paranoid doctor to Dax Shepherd’s compulsive liar makes for a perfect combination of ridiculous encounters, including Burt Reynolds, who has been isolated in a cabin since the ’70s.

29. ‘Mackenna’s Gold’ (1969)

Directed by J. Lee Thompson

Based on the novel of the same name, Mackenna’s Gold follows Mexican outlaw, John Colorado (Omar Sharif), who kidnaps US Marshal Sam Mackenna (Gregory Peck), believing that Mackenna has a treasure map of fabled gold hidden in the Cañon del Oro, which is guarded by Apache spirits. The rest of the ensemble cast features Telly Savalas, Ted Cassidy, Camilla Sparv, and Julie Newmar in leading roles.

A classic Hollywood Western, Mackenna’s Gold recounts how the lure of gold corrupted various people from all walks of life. The film is recognized for its visuals, sound effects, and effective use of Panavision. Even though it has been critiqued for its absurdity, Mackenna’s Gold is a fun and fast-paced treasure hunt film that effectively leans into its campiness. Despite its commercial failure in North America, the film garnered widespread popularity in international markets and became a major box office success in the Indian subcontinent. —Maddie P

28. ‘Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales’ (2017)

Directed by Joachim Rønning and Espen Sandberg

The fifth installment in the Pirates of the Caribbean film series, Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales, begins 13 years from At World’s End and follows the story of Henry Turner (Brenton Thwaites), Will Turner’s (Orlando Bloom) 12-year-old son, who lost his father to a curse on the Flying Dutchman, which can only be broken by the Trident of Poseidon. Henry recruits Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp), and together they embark on a perilous mission to retrieve the mythical trident, while dodging the raging seas and Jack’s old and undead nemesis, Captain Armando Salazar (Javier Bardem).

While Depp’s Jack Sparrow steals the screen with his witty humor and eccentricity, as always, it does not discount the fine performances by Javier Bardem and Kaya Scodelario. Despite its mixed reviews, the brilliant visual effects and a high-stakes, swashbuckling escapade make Dead Men Tell No Tales a fun and exciting watch for franchise fans. —Maddie P

27. ‘King Solomon’s Mines’ (1985)

Directed by J. Lee Thompson

One of many cinematic adaptations of the classic 1885 novel, King Solomon’s Mines transforms the classic adventure novel with a more comedic angle, deliberately parodying the success of the Indiana Jones series. The film follows acclaimed explorer Allan Quatermain (Richard Chamberlain) embarking on a journey with Jesse Huston (Sharon Stone) to help her locate her abducted archaeologist father, kidnapped for his extended knowledge of King Solomon’s mines. Allan and Jesse travel into the depths of Africa as they encounter various natives and dangerous creatures on their perilous journey.

While the film may not have aged as gracefully as the Indiana Jones films, the distinct parody angle of the classic treasure-hunting adventure makes for a lighthearted fun time filled with 80s charm. If you can look past the array of untimely caricatures that have left the film dated, the sublime practical effects and cartoonish style of the film is enough to make it a great complementary watch to a more standard treasure-hunting adventure.

26. ‘Dora and the Lost City of Gold’ (2019)

Directed by James Bobin

While the cutesy and colorful world of a preschooler’s animated series doesn’t initially seem like it would be the best fit for a treasure-hunting film, Dora and the Lost City of Gold is a pleasant surprise of comedy and adventure. The film follows the titular Dora, who after having spent the vast majority of her childhood roaming and exploring the jungle, finds herself in unfamiliar territory when forced to attend a normal high school. However, she and her new classmates find themselves kidnapped and sent to the jungle, as they are on a race to find the elusive city of Parapata.

Dora and the Lost City of Gold finds success not by attempting to directly adapt and cater to the younger audiences of the original preschool show, but instead by acting as a manic, irony-soaked comedy for jaded audiences loosely familiar with the series. The comedy of the film is top-notch, combining classic coming-of-age high school tropes with the premise and setting of an adventure film to make for a hilarious, while not entirely original, treasure-hunting experience.

25. ‘Uncharted’ (2022)

Directed by Ruben Fleischer

An adaption of a popular video game of the same name, Tom Holland and Mark Wahlberg headline this action-adventure film. Uncharted focuses on the origin of the classic treasure-hunting duo, Nathan Drake and Victor Sullivan, as they search for the fortune of Ferdinand Magellan.

Uncharted‘s charm in the lovable characters is brought to life with the mix of tuxedo parties and lost caverns in the jungle. It may not be among the best treasure hunt movies, but being the origin story of the two main characters in the games, this fun film is the perfect gateway into treasure-hunting films!

24. ‘Tomb Raider’ (2018)

Directed by Roar Uthaug

Alicia Vikander‘s Tomb Raider is a film that’s closer to the rebooted video game of the same name from 2013, which is a more gritty and realistic origin story. Lara Croft travels to Asia when she discovers her father’s last known destination when he is reported missing. Convinced he is still alive, she follows his footsteps in discovering a mystery surrounding the mythical Queen of Yamatai.

Following the Angelina Jolie Tomb Raider films of the early 2000s, Norwegian director Roar Uthaug took on the colossal task and delivered a suspenseful mystery and entertaining adventure full of twists and turns and packed with incredible stunts.

23. ‘Ready Player One’ (2018)

Directed by Steven Spielberg

Proving that treasure-hunting films don’t have to take place in the vast unexplored territories of nature to have a compelling adventure, Ready Player One takes its treasure-hunting escapades into an expansive future virtual world. The film takes place in a not-so-distant future where the vast majority of humanity spends their daily lives logged on a popular video game world that features limitless possibilities. When the creator of the game dies, he leaves behind clues to keys hidden within the game, with ownership of the game going to whoever can find all the keys.

While the constant creative expression and Easter eggs were a major selling point for Ready Player One, the treasure-hunting story and coming-of-age elements that Spielberg is famous for are what make the film work at its core. The film plays out like any other treasure-hunting movie would, with its heroes using various clues to explore vast locales and inching closer and closer to uncovering the location of the treasure, simply with a distinct sci-fi flair that is rarely seen in treasure-hunting movies.

22. ‘Jungle Cruise’ (2021)

Directed by Jaume Collet-Serra

Taking inspiration from Pirates of the Caribbean, Jungle Cruise attempts to adapt another one of Disney’s classic theme park attractions into its own wild adventure film, this time with a distinct flair for treasure hunting and exploration. The film follows Dr. Lily Houghton (Emily Blunt) who, while on an expedition through the Amazon, enlists the help of wisecracking boatman Frank Wolff (Dwayne Johnson) in a search for an ancient tree that could hold the answer to modern medicine.

While it’s easy to see Jungle Cruise as just a simple romp that banks on the success of the Pirates franchise, the film does a great job of paralleling the same type of excitement and fervor that made the initial entries so enthralling. Blunt and Johnson are a great charismatic duo that works wonders off of one another, and the action present throughout the film is endlessly captivating and exciting to watch unfold. The film is certainly worth checking out not just for treasure-hunting fanatics, but for those looking for a film that can scratch the same itch that the Pirates films were able to do.

21. ‘Relic Hunter’ (1999–2002)

Created by Gil Grant

Relic Hunter is the female version of Indiana Jones. Following Sydney Fox played by Tia Carrere, a university professor of history, with her team Nigel played by Christien Anholt and Claudia played by Lindy Booth as they find ancient relics and treasures that have been missing for hundreds or thousands of years.

Relic Hunter has action, history, and intrigue as Sydney and Nigel travel the world in search of these treasures. Coming up against many different characters like thieves and criminals, the three seasons were packed with adventure and mystery.

20. ‘The Road to El Dorado’ (2000)

Directed by Bibo Bergeron and Don Paul

One of the more underrated films from the early years of DreamWorks Animation, The Road to El Dorado has continued to be a cult classic hidden gem of animation for decades since its release. The film follows a pair of swindlers in the middle of an escape after a failed con, ending up uncovering the legendary lost city of El Dorado, also known as the city of gold. However, the duo soon end up well over their heads when they are mistaken by the inhabitants of El Dorado as gods.

The treasure-hunting premise proves to lend itself perfectly to the realm of an animated comedy, with The Road to El Dorado making the most of its highly stylish 2D animation and top-notch vocal performances. The film manages to act as a great modernization and evolution of classic treasure-hunting trends and conventions while at the same time finding appeal and reliability for audiences of all ages.

19. ‘Kumiko, the Treasure Hunter’ (2014)

Directed by David Zellner

A much softer and humanist approach to a treasure hunting story, Kumiko, the Treasure Hunter is one of the most deeply original and profound approaches to telling a story about searching for elusive treasures. The film follows Tokyo office worker Kumiko, who while growing more and more tired with her mundane everyday life, finds herself enamored with a buried videotape of Fargo that she believes to be a documentary. Inspired by the film, Kumiko decides to take a trip to North Dakota to find the buried treasure in the film, a treasure that would change her life for the better.

It’s rare to see a treasure-hunting film where the treasure is so directly tied to another film, yet Kumiko, the Treasure Hunter only uses this exceptional premise as a jumping-off point for its tale of reflection and self-worth. It works wonderfully not only as a love letter to the Coen Brothers classic, but also as a tale showing the effects of media as a form of escapism, using it to get away from the sorrowful aspects of everyday life. It’s simply unlike any other treasure-hunting film out there, yet is an undeniable powerhouse of emotional weight that is certainly worth checking out.

18. ‘O Brother, Where Art Thou?’ (2000)

Directed by Joel Coen

A high-concept (and possibly unintentional) recreation of Homer’s legendary The Odyssey yet translated to the 1930s deep south, O Brother, Where Art Thou? manages to be one of the best adaptations of the legendary adventure story. The film follows a trio of escaped convicts who, on the run from the law, team up to search for a hidden treasure while the relentless lawmen are on their tale. They come across a wide variety of strange figures and predicaments while on their journey across the countryside, with the looming possibility of treasure pushing them forward.

While the film eventually transforms by its end to not directly be a treasure-hunting movie anymore, it’s the ingenious setup and exciting first act-focus that makes this an exceptional treasure-hunting comedy. The Coen Brothers are at full force here, creating one of their most charming and electrifying comedy experiences, with each passing scene adding more charm and wit into a single near-perfect package.

17. ‘Blood & Treasure’ (2019–2022)

Created by Matthew Federman and Stephen Scaia

A fantastic adventure TV series starring Matt Barr as Danny and Sofia Pernas as Lexi takes the treasure-hunting tropes back to their roots! Danny, an antiquities expert, and Lexi, an art thief, team up to stop a terrorist who funds his attacks with stolen treasure.

Currently, with two seasons, Blood & Treasure follows many similar titles like Uncharted and National Treasure with action and crime taking center stage. Lexi and Danny work so well with their polar opposite personalities as they travel to beautiful places and encounter some dire situations in Blood & Treasure.

16. ‘Romancing the Stone’ (1984)

Directed by Robert Zemeckis

Among the best movies of 1984, director Robert Zemeckis’ Romancing the Stone takes audiences on an exhilarating adventure set in the jungles of Colombia. There, an unlikely romance blossoms between Jack Colton (Michael Douglas), a rugged explorer, and Joan Wilder (Kathleen Turner), a romance novelist who gets his help finding her kidnapped sister.

This romance soon turns into a treasure-hunting adventure as the duo decides to seek the treasure the kidnappers are looking for and take it themselves. The artifact in question is the “El Corazón,” a huge emerald worth a lot of money. While some aspects of the film haven’t aged well, it’s still worth watching (or revisiting) for its entertaining blend of comedy and action.

15. ‘The Da Vinci Code’ (2006)

Directed by Ron Howard

The first and most acclaimed film of Ron Howard and Tom Hanks‘ Robert Langdon trilogy, The Da Vinci Code uses the essence of conspiracy and clues underneath the surface to tell its gripping treasure-hunting story. The film sees Hanks as Robert Langdon, a professor of religious symbolism who finds himself as the key figure of a mystery unearthed by a murder in the Louvre Museum in Paris. After discovering clues hidden within the paintings of Leonardo da Vinci, Langdon finds himself in an ever-expanding rabbit hole that threatens to destroy everything that modern society has believed about the foundations of Christianity.

The Da Vinci Code helped revolutionize and change the scope of treasure-hunting films to be more than going away to exotic locations in search of buried secrets in the eyes of average audiences. The film helped revolutionize the prospect of deep, hidden secrets being hidden in plain sight where one would least expect to see them, with the start of the hunt beginning with some of the most viewed and acclaimed paintings of all time. The film’s popularity and success brought way to an entire trilogy of these philosophical and thrilling deep dives, yet the original is still a fan favorite among audiences and critics.

14. ‘The Adventures of Tintin’ (2011)

Directed by Steven Spielberg

Hergé‘s iconic comic books are brought to life in the beloved classic, The Adventures of Tintin. Directed by Steven Spielberg, the 2011 animated adventure film revolves around the young journalist Tintin (Jamie Bell), who sets out on a quest to find the treasure of a ship called the Unicorn. However, he’s pursued by a dangerous nemesis.

With animation that holds up well and stellar performances from a talented cast – which includes Bell, Daniel Craig, Andy Serkis, Simon Pegg, and more – The Adventures of Tintin is a cinematic adventure worth experiencing over and over. The timeless classic is also known for its faithful adaptation of the source material, which translates beautifully on the big screen.

13. ‘Journey to the Center of the Earth’ (2008)

Directed by Eric Brevig

A modern-day adaptation and reenvisioning of the classic Jules Verne novel, Journey to the Center of the Earth follows scientist Trevor Anderson (Brendan Fraser) on a quest to learn the truth of his missing brother. Accompanied by his nephew and a mountain guide, the trio find themselves uncovering the unbelievable hidden world beneath the surface, filled with long-since-extinct life and fantastical elements beyond the realm of imagination.

The film takes the world and concept established in the original novel and runs wild with the possibilities and lack of limitations provided by modern visual effects and technologies, bringing to life the center of the earth in a way never seen before. The film’s visuals were a major point of success and excitement surrounding the film, with its use of 3D filmmaking even predating James Cameron‘s Avatar for a blockbuster film. What makes the film continue to stay in the hearts and minds of audiences, however, is the inherent charm of its trio of characters, with Fraser, Josh Hutcherson, and Anita Briem acting as the perfect treasure-hunting team on-screen.

12. ‘National Treasure’ (2004)

Directed by Jon Turteltaub

National Treasure is the quintessential treasure-hunting movie of the early 2000s. Following Nicolas Cage in an over-the-top performance as Ben and his ‘guy in the chair’ Riley played by Justin Bartha, as they plan to steal the Declaration of Independence to find a map to the hidden Freemason Treasure.

With action, adventure, and a museum heist, National Treasure is the perfect balance of mystery and suspense. From uncovering the secret map to the villain Sean Bean hot on their trail, there’s no surprise Disney made a sequel, National Treasure: Book of Secrets that tries to capture the magic of movies like National Treasure.

11. ‘Treasure Planet’ (2002)

Directed by John Musker and Ron Clements

A relatively underrated film in Disney’s collection of blockbusters, Treasure Planet is a gorgeous animated movie set in a futuristic world where space pirates exist. The film is centered on Jim Hawkins’ (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) journey through space as he searches for the mythical Treasure Planet. Alongside him is the intimidating and experienced John Silver (Brian Murray), who wants to find the treasure just as badly.

Despite premiering in 2002, Treasure Planet’s visuals are still a marvel to witness today. This is undoubtedly due in part to the creative blend of sci-fi and traditional swashbuckling adventure genres that it displays, not to mention the unexpectedly emotional moments that make Jim’s story unforgettable.

10. ‘The Good, the Bad and the Ugly’ (1966)

Directed by Sergio Leone

One of the most acclaimed Western films of all time, The Good, the Bad and the Ugly is not often considered when thinking of great treasure-hunting films, being drastically different in tone and style to others, yet its core premise centers around the chaos of a sought-after treasure. The film follows three equally cutthroat men crossing paths with one another as they comb the American Southwest amid the Civil War in search of a strongbox containing $200,000 in stolen gold.

The Good, The Bad and the Ugly goes well beyond the exceptional treasure-hunting films and even beyond exceptional Western films to be often touted as one of the greatest cinematic achievements of all time. Sergio Leone‘s striking and prolific masterpiece has created a powerful legacy and redefined various concepts of filmmaking, with its influence still being felt to this very day. The only thing that holds it back from being the undeniable greatest treasure-hunting film of all time is just how vastly different it is from what many people presume and expect a treasure-hunting adventure film to be.

9. ‘The Mummy’ (1999)

Directed by Stephen Sommers

When a group of treasure-seeking adventurers goes deep into an ancient tomb hoping to strike gold, they unleash a horrifying 3000-year-old cursed high priest instead. The Mummy, while initially focused on a treasure hunt gone wrong, is soon centered on how Rick O’Connell (Brendan Fraser) and Evelyn Carnahan (Rachel Weisz) work together to protect the world from sure destruction.

The 1999 film directed by Stephen Sommers birthed the iconic franchise and is still considered the best movie in the trilogy. Full of daring stunts, cutting-edge visuals for its time, and a remarkable performance by Fraser, it’s easy to see why The Mummy holds a special place in fans’ hearts to this day.

8. ‘The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles’ (1992–1996)

Created by George Lucas

Everyone already knows the classic films of the 80s, but Indiana Jones also had a television series. Opening the show with a much older Indiana, played by George Hall, as he tells his stories from his youth, played by Sean Patrick Flanery and Corey Carrier.

Only going for two seasons, George Lucas had actually prepared for at least 70 episodes. Aimed at kids and teens, The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles was educational, and the stories centered around famous figures and historical events. With a recent installment in the Indiana Jones franchise, it’s time to revisit Young Indiana once again and re-live the nostalgia.

7. ‘The Librarians’ (2014–2018)

Developed by John Rogers

A brilliant series spin-off, The Librarians had three films before the Rebecca Romijn-led show came along. The Librarians follows Eve Baird and her team, who have the important job of keeping mystical and famous historical artifacts from getting into the wrong hands.

This quirky series is like Supernatural mixed with Legends of Tomorrow, which makes it stand out from other treasure-hunting shows. The light-hearted series delves into alien invasions, haunted houses, and even the mystery behind the Bermuda Triangle!

6. ‘Outer Banks’ (2020–)

Created by Josh Pate, Jonas Pate, and Shannon Burke

Like the sleek production of Point Break and a sense of adventure straight out of Stand by Me, Outer Banks follows four friends as they search for missing treasure and answers to the disappearance of one of their fathers.

Outer Banks is beautifully filmed and well-written, so there is no surprise this popular series is about to go into its fourth season. From the childlike excitement of finding a lost treasure to the twists, turns and dangers of the town’s secrets, Outer Banks is a unique series that has it all!

5. ‘The Goonies’ (1985)

Directed by Richard Donner

The Goonies is among the best treasure-hunting movies that have stood the test of time and are a classic among movie buffs. Following a group of kids whose homes are being threatened with foreclosure, go on a search for the long-lost treasure of a pirate named One-Eyed Willy.

Created by Steven Spielberg and directed by Richard Donner (known for the 1978 Superman and Lethal Weapon), the duo produced a visually engaging family adventure film. From treasure maps, skeletons, and pirate ships, childhood dreams, and fears come alive in The Goonies.

4. ‘Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade’ (1989)

Directed by Steven Spielberg

Set in 1938, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade follows Indy on another daring adventure when his father, Henry Jones Sr., a Holy Grail scholar, is kidnapped by the Nazis, while on a search for the divine treasure. Harrison Ford returns as the titular archaeologist, professor, and adventurer, with Sean Connery joining him as Henry Sr., along with Alison Doody, River Phoenix, and John Rhys-Davies.

The third installment of the Indiana Jones film series, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade is more of a lighthearted treasure-hunting caper than its predecessor, and is recognized for reviving important narrative elements from Raiders of the Lost Ark. The highest grossing film of 1989, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade was a major critical and commercial success. But what makes this Indian Jones adventure most memorable is the fiery screen dynamic of Connery and Ford as father-son duo, supported by River Phoenix’s compelling portrayal of a younger Indiana Jones. —Maddie P

3. ‘Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark’ (1981)

Directed by Steven Spielberg

Spielberg’s Raiders of the Lost Ark is an action-adventure film that revolutionized the genre, forever remembered as one of the top treasure hunt movies. The award-winning classic introduced the world to the daring titular archeologist (played by Harrison Ford), who races against a group of Nazis trying to get their hands on a powerful relic that could turn the tide in their malevolent plans.

The fact that there is a fifth (if somewhat underwhelming) film – Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny – says everything audiences need to know about the adventure movie’s enduring legacy. The first installment is also the film with the biggest focus on treasure hunting, while also featuring the franchise’s legendary stunt work, jaw-dropping set pieces, and fantastic performances from its talented cast.

2. ‘The Treasure of the Sierra Madre’ (1948)

Directed by John Huston

From the director of Maltese Falcon comes this neo-Western treasure hunt adventure based on B. Traven’s eponymous 1927 novel. Starring Humphrey Bogart, Tim Holt, and Walter Huston, The Treasure of the Sierra Madre follows the adventures of two out-of-work drifters, Fred C. Dobbs (Bogart) and Bob Curtin (Holt), who team up with a veteran prospector, Howard (Huston), to mine gold in the

Sierra Madre mountains of Mexico. Shot mostly in Mexico, the film was one of the earliest major Hollywood productions to be shot extensively on location outside the United States. A timeless classic, The Treasure of Sierra Madre is magnificent and unconventional (for its time) in its darkly humorous narrative of human nature set to a thrilling story of a gold hunt. It is not only considered to be an excellent adaptation of the original novel, but also one of director John Huston’s best works, and one of Humphrey Bogart’s finest performances of his career. —Maddie P

1. ‘Treasure Island’ (1950)

Directed by Byron Haskin

Adapted from Robert Louis Stevenson’s popular 1883 novel of the same name, Treasure Island marks Disney’s first complete live-action film and the first screen adaptation of the novel filmed in color. Set in the West Coast of England in 1975, the adventure film follows a young boy, Jim Hawkins (Bobby Driscoll), who stumbles upon a pirate treasure map from a dying sailor, and sets out a high-sea adventure to hunt for the legendary treasure, along with pirate Captain Long John Silver (Robert Newton).

Treasure Island is a glorious piece of motion picture art that beautifully captures the essence and imagination of Stevenson’s fantastical tale, in its high-energy narrative and meticulous color photography. Newton’s portrayal of Long John Silver, with his distinctive pirate speech, became a major influence on the characterization of pirates in pop culture in the following years, and inspired the Pirates of the Caribbean characters, Jack Sparrow and Hector Barbossa. —Maddie P

NEXT: ‘Indiana Jones’ Movies Ranked from Worst to Best