The 24 Best Childhood Escapades Movies Like 'The Goonies'

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Spielberg's masterpiece, "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial," follows the enchanting story of a young boy, Elliot, who befriends a stranded alien. Evoking the same magic as "The Goonies," this film captures the purity of childhood bonds and the pursuit of the extraordinary. Elliot and his friends embark on a quest to reunite E.T. with his home, mirroring the Goonies' adventure for hidden treasure. Filled with heartwarming moments and a sense of wonder, "E.T." stands as a timeless tale of friendship, echoing the spirit that makes "The Goonies" an enduring classic.

CAST

Henry Thomas

Drew Barrymore

Robert MacNaughton

Peter Coyote

Dee Wallace

Erika Eleniak

K.C. Martel

C. Thomas Howell

Sean Frye

Directed by Steven Spielberg

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98%

77

8

Rob Reiner's "The Princess Bride" is a fairy tale adventure filled with love and whimsy. While distinct in its setting, the film shares with "The Goonies" a captivating camaraderie among its characters. As Westley and Princess Buttercup navigate a fantastical world, their journey resonates with the same spirit of unity and courage found in the Goonies' quest. "The Princess Bride" is a timeless tale that, like "The Goonies," celebrates the enduring power of friendship amidst epic adventures.

CAST

Cary Elwes

Robin Wright

Mandy Patinkin

Chris Sarandon

André Roussimoff

Christopher Guest

Wallace Shawn

Peter Falk

Fred Savage

Billy Crystal

Directed by Rob Reiner

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93%

87

8.5

"Back to the Future" is a sci-fi classic where Marty McFly and Doc Brown embark on a time-traveling odyssey. Similar to "The Goonies," this film explores the theme of friendship across time, as Marty and Doc navigate the past and future to set things right. Both films celebrate the enduring bonds formed through extraordinary journeys. With humor, heart, and a touch of nostalgia, "Back to the Future" stands as an iconic adventure, echoing the timeless appeal of "The Goonies."

CAST

Michael J. Fox

Christopher Lloyd

Lea Thompson

Crispin Glover

Thomas F. Wilson

Claudia Wells

Marc McClure

Wendie Jo Sperber

George DiCenzo

Frances Lee McCain

Directed by Robert Zemeckis

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86%

70

7.3

In the quaint town of Kingston Falls, Billy receives a Mogwai named Gizmo as a Christmas gift. However, chaos unfolds when the seemingly innocent creature spawns mischievous Gremlins. Drawing parallels with "The Goonies," both films explore the theme of unexpected challenges in a tight-knit community, blending humor and adventure. As Billy and his friends confront the mischievous Gremlins, they embark on an unpredictable journey that mirrors the spirit of youthful camaraderie seen in the iconic adventure film.

CAST

Zach Galligan

Phoebe Cates

Hoyt Axton

Frances Lee McCain

Corey Feldman

Keye Luke

John Louie

Dick Miller

Jackie Joseph

Polly Holliday

Directed by Joe Dante

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77%

63

7.2

Set in the coastal town of Santa Carla, "The Lost Boys" follows two brothers who discover the dark secrets of a local vampire gang. Much like "The Goonies," this film showcases a tight group dynamic, emphasizing the resilience and courage of friends facing supernatural threats in their seemingly ordinary hometown. Both movies capture the essence of friendship and the thrill of adventure as young protagonists confront extraordinary challenges, creating a sense of nostalgia for audiences.

CAST

Jason Patric

Corey Haim

Dianne Wiest

Barnard Hughes

Edward Herrmann

Kiefer Sutherland

Jami Gertz

Corey Feldman

Jamison Newlander

Brooke McCarter

Directed by Joel Schumacher

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92%

75

8.1

Set in the 1950s, "Stand by Me" follows four friends on a journey to find the body of a missing boy. Similar to "The Goonies," the film explores themes of coming-of-age, friendship, and adventure. As the group navigates the trials of adolescence, the shared experiences on their daring quest forge lasting bonds. "Stand by Me" resonates with the transformative power of friendship, echoing the timeless appeal of "The Goonies" in its exploration of youthful resilience and the enduring impact of shared adventures.

CAST

Wil Wheaton

River Phoenix

Jerry O'Connell

Corey Feldman

Kiefer Sutherland

Casey Siemaszko

Gary Riley

Bradley Gregg

Jason Oliver

Marshall Bell

Directed by Rob Reiner

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65%

55

7.8

In "The Sandlot," a group of kids comes together for a summer of baseball in the '60s, mirroring the camaraderie found in "The Goonies." United by their love for the game, these friends embark on adventures that transcend the baseball diamond, highlighting the enduring power of childhood friendships. Much like the Goonies, the Sandlot crew discovers that the true treasures of youth lie in the bonds formed during those long, sun-soaked days of endless possibilities.

CAST

Tom Guiry

Mike Vitar

Patrick Renna

Chauncey Leopardi

Marty York

Brandon Quintin Adams

Grant Gelt

James Earl Jones

Denis Leary

Karen Allen

Directed by David Mickey Evans

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83%

7.3

"The NeverEnding Story" takes viewers on a fantastical journey as a young boy delves into a magical book. Drawing parallels with "The Goonies," this film encapsulates the wonder of childhood imagination and the strength found in collective adventures. Just as the Goonies faced challenges to uncover hidden treasure, characters in the NeverEnding Story confront mythical creatures and trials, illustrating the timeless theme of courage and friendship that transcends the boundaries of reality and fantasy.

CAST

Noah Hathaway

Barret Oliver

Tami Stronach

Moses Gunn

Patricia Hayes

Sydney Bromley

Tilo Prückner

Gerald McRaney

Chris Eastman

Darryl Cooksey

Directed by Wolfgang Petersen

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71%

45

6.9

"Adventures in Babysitting" unfolds as a chaotic night of unexpected escapades in Chicago, akin to the unpredictability of the Goonies' quest. The film captures the essence of spontaneous adventure and unexpected camaraderie, showcasing how bonds are strengthened in the face of unforeseen challenges. Both tales prove that memorable experiences often arise when least anticipated, emphasizing the enduring spirit of friendship that thrives in the midst of exhilarating and unforeseen escapades.

CAST

Elisabeth Shue

Maia Brewton

Keith Coogan

Anthony Rapp

Calvin Levels

Vincent D'Onofrio

Penelope Ann Miller

George Newbern

John Ford Noonan

Bradley Whitford

Directed by Chris Columbus

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58%

61

6.9

In "The Monster Squad," a group of kids unites to battle classic movie monsters. Reminiscent of "The Goonies," this film celebrates the power of childhood friendships while facing supernatural challenges. Both movies capture the spirit of youthful camaraderie, blending humor and adventure as the young protagonists confront otherworldly threats. Just as the Goonies sought hidden treasure, "The Monster Squad" embarks on a thrilling quest to save their town, proving that even in the face of the supernatural, friendship is the ultimate weapon.

CAST

André Gower

Robby Kiger

Stephen Macht

Duncan Regehr

Tom Noonan

Brent Chalem

Ryan Lambert

Ashley Bank

Michael Faustino

Mary Ellen Trainor

Directed by Fred Dekker

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23%

46

6.5

"The Mighty Ducks" combines sports, camaraderie, and personal growth, mirroring the themes found in "The Goonies." A misfit youth hockey team, much like the Goonies, transforms into a cohesive unit, navigating challenges on and off the ice. Both films emphasize the importance of teamwork and the enduring bonds formed during shared adventures, whether on a treasure hunt or on the hockey rink. "The Mighty Ducks" captures the heartwarming essence of overcoming odds, much like the Goonies' triumph over obstacles.

CAST

Emilio Estevez

Joss Ackland

Lane Smith

Heidi Kling

Josef Sommer

Joshua Jackson

Shaun Weiss

Vincent Larusso

Elden Henson

Danny Tamberelli

Directed by Stephen Herek

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81%

72

7

Set in a small town in the late '70s, "Super 8" echoes the nostalgic charm of "The Goonies." A group of friends filming a movie witnesses a mysterious train crash, setting off a series of extraordinary events. Like the Goonies, these kids navigate a thrilling mystery, discovering that true strength lies in their unity. Both films beautifully blend elements of friendship, humor, and suspense, reminding audiences of the timeless appeal of youthful adventure and the enduring bonds forged in the face of the extraordinary.

CAST

Joel Courtney

Elle Fanning

Riley Griffiths

Kyle Chandler

Noah Emmerich

AJ Michalka

Ryan Lee

Ron Eldard

Gabriel Basso

Bruce Greenwood

Directed by J.J. Abrams

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72%

6.4

In "Explorers," the boundless imagination of three friends propels them into an extraordinary adventure when they construct a makeshift spaceship. Mirroring the adventurous camaraderie of "The Goonies," this film captures the essence of youthful curiosity and the unbridled excitement that accompanies the pursuit of the unknown. Together, these friends embark on a cosmic journey, encountering alien life forms and discovering the true meaning of friendship in the face of the mysterious and otherworldly.

CAST

Ethan Hawke

River Phoenix

Jason Presson

Amanda Peterson

Bobby Fite

Dana Ivey

Bradley Gregg

Georg Olden

Chance Schwass

Danny Nucci

Directed by Joe Dante

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84%

64

6.9

"Flight of the Navigator" unfolds as a young boy, David, is thrust into a time-traveling odyssey after encountering a sentient spacecraft. Parallel to the Goonies' quest for hidden treasure, David's journey showcases the enduring strength of friendship and the resilience of youth in the face of the extraordinary. The film's blend of science fiction and heartfelt storytelling resonates with the same spirit that makes "The Goonies" a classic, reminding audiences that the most remarkable adventures often transcend the boundaries of space and time.

CAST

Joey Cramer

Paul Reubens

Veronica Cartwright

Cliff DeYoung

Sarah Jessica Parker

Matt Adler

Howard Hesseman

Robert Small

Richard Liberty

Directed by Randal Kleiser

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93%

76

7.5

In "The Secret of NIMH," Mrs. Brisby, a courageous field mouse, confronts perilous challenges to protect her family. Drawing thematic parallels with "The Goonies," this animated gem explores the strength of unexpected alliances and the determination to overcome adversity. The characters' journey into the mysterious world of NIMH mirrors the Goonies' exploration of hidden caves, emphasizing that, whether facing supernatural forces or the unknown, the heartwarming bonds formed during daring adventures resonate universally across captivating and fantastical tales.

CAST

Derek Jacobi

Elizabeth Hartman

Arthur Malet

Dom DeLuise

Hermione Baddeley

Shannen Doherty

Wil Wheaton

Jodi Hicks

Ian Fried

John Carradine

Directed by Don Bluth

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75%

68

6.6

As shadows cast mysteries on their suburban neighborhood, three curious friends uncover the supernatural secret of a malevolent house. "Monster House" channels the adventurous camaraderie of "The Goonies," intertwining youthful bravery with a blend of humor and spine-tingling suspense. Facing the unknown, the trio parallels the Goonies' quest, demonstrating that the bonds of friendship can conquer even the most unexpected and otherworldly challenges.

CAST

Mitchel Musso

Sam Lerner

Spencer Locke

Steve Buscemi

Maggie Gyllenhaal

Kevin James

Nick Cannon

Jon Heder

Jason Lee

Catherine O'Hara

Directed by Gil Kenan

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29%

52

6.8

Transcending time and fairy tales, "Hook" transforms the beloved Peter Pan into a tale of rediscovering the joy of youth. This Spielberg-directed adventure mirrors "The Goonies" by celebrating the enduring magic of friendship. Peter's return to Neverland echoes the Goonies' journey, emphasizing the timeless theme of bonding over shared escapades. With swashbuckling encounters and a heartfelt narrative, "Hook" encapsulates the same spirit that has made "The Goonies" an everlasting favorite.

CAST

Dustin Hoffman

Robin Williams

Julia Roberts

Bob Hoskins

Maggie Smith

Caroline Goodall

Charlie Korsmo

Amber Scott

Dante Basco

Isaiah Robinson

Directed by Steven Spielberg

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70%

45

7

Set against the backdrop of 1960s social turmoil, "The Outsiders" follows a group of friends as they navigate the complexities of adolescence. Similar to "The Goonies," this film captures the essence of youthful camaraderie amidst challenges. The bonds formed by the Outsiders resonate with the close-knit relationships in "The Goonies," emphasizing the strength of friendship during times of personal growth and societal upheaval. Both films serve as timeless reminders of the power of solidarity and shared adventures in the face of adversity.

CAST

C. Thomas Howell

Matt Dillon

Ralph Macchio

Patrick Swayze

Rob Lowe

Emilio Estevez

Tom Cruise

Glenn Withrow

Diane Lane

Leif Garrett

Directed by Francis Ford Coppola

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91%

79

6.9

Terry Gilliam's "Time Bandits" unfolds as a spectacular journey through history, where a young boy discovers a group of time-traveling dwarves with a penchant for mischief. In a tapestry of humor and fantasy, the film not only mirrors the mischievous spirit of "The Goonies" but also captures the essence of childhood curiosity. The eclectic adventures across different eras and unexpected encounters create a timeless tale that resonates with the same sense of wonder and awe found in the beloved '80s classic. "Time Bandits" stands as a testament to the enduring allure of fantastical escapades that leave an indelible mark on both young and adult audiences alike.

CAST

Craig Warnock

David Rappaport

Kenny Baker

Mike Edmonds

Malcolm Dixon

Tiny Ross

Jack Purvis

Ian Holm

John Cleese

Sean Connery

Directed by Terry Gilliam

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76%

67

6.7

In Nick Castle's "The Last Starfighter," a teenager's mastery of a video game catapults him into an intergalactic battle. This space-faring adventure not only mirrors the cosmic excitement of "The Goonies" but also captures the universal theme of unexpected heroism and friendship. As the protagonist navigates a galaxy of danger and discovery, the film resonates with the same spirit of camaraderie and youthful determination found in the classic '80s adventure. "The Last Starfighter" remains a stellar example of how ordinary individuals can become extraordinary heroes when faced with the extraordinary, much like the beloved gang from Astoria.

CAST

Lance Guest

Robert Preston

Chris Hebert

Kay E. Kuter

Dan Mason

Dan O'Herlihy

Catherine Mary Stewart

Barbara Bosson

Norman Snow

John O'Leary

Directed by Nick Castle

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58%

61

6.9

Fred Dekker's "The Monster Squad" unites a group of misfit kids with a shared passion for classic movie monsters, crafting a tale that echoes the camaraderie and spook-filled excitement of "The Goonies." As the squad confronts iconic creatures like Dracula and the Wolfman, the film seamlessly blends horror and humor. The enduring friendships formed in the face of supernatural challenges mirror the tight-knit bonds of the Goonies, creating a timeless narrative that captures the essence of childhood courage and the thrill of facing the unknown. "The Monster Squad" stands as a hidden gem, enriching the adventure genre with its unique blend of scares and heartwarming camaraderie.

CAST

André Gower

Robby Kiger

Stephen Macht

Duncan Regehr

Tom Noonan

Brent Chalem

Ryan Lambert

Ashley Bank

Michael Faustino

Mary Ellen Trainor

Directed by Fred Dekker

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90%

69

7.1

Prepare for a visually enchanting odyssey as Baron Munchausen weaves extravagant tales that blur the lines between reality and fantasy. Directed by Terry Gilliam, this cinematic masterpiece not only captivates with its whimsical storytelling but also shares a common thread with "The Goonies" in its celebration of improbable adventures and the enduring power of friendship. Much like the Goonies, Baron Munchausen and his eclectic companions embark on a journey that defies logic, promising a voyage filled with laughter, imagination, and a touch of surrealism that mirrors the spirit of the beloved '80s classic.

CAST

John Neville

Eric Idle

Sarah Polley

Oliver Reed

Charles McKeown

Winston Dennis

Jack Purvis

Valentina Cortese

Jonathan Pryce

Bill Paterson

Directed by Terry Gilliam

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54%

58

6.4

Beneath the flickering lights of a decaying city, "City of Ember" unravels a tale of mystery and resilience, drawing parallels with the hidden wonders of "The Goonies." Directed by Gil Kenan, this dystopian adventure follows two teenagers on a quest to unlock the secrets of their subterranean world. As the protagonists strive to save their community, the film mirrors the suspense and camaraderie found in "The Goonies," creating a captivating narrative that blends imaginative storytelling with the universal theme of youthful determination.

CAST

Saoirse Ronan

Harry Treadaway

Bill Murray

David Ryall

Tim Robbins

Mackenzie Crook

Marianne Jean-Baptiste

Mary Kay Place

Toby Jones

Lucinda Dryzek

Directed by Gil Kenan

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50%

53

5.7

In "Earth to Echo," director Dave Green modernizes the adventure genre, infusing it with the spirit of exploration reminiscent of "The Goonies." A group of friends, armed with smartphones and unyielding curiosity, stumbles upon an endearing alien named Echo. This contemporary tale embraces the wonder of childhood camaraderie, mirroring the themes of friendship and uncharted exploration found in the classic '80s film. As the friends embark on a heartfelt mission, "Earth to Echo" captures the essence of youthful curiosity and the enduring magic of extraordinary friendships, resonating with audiences across generations.

CAST

Teo Halm

Astro

Reese Hartwig

Ella Wahlestedt

Jason Gray-Stanford

Algee Smith

Arthur Darbinyan

Cassius M. Willis

Sonya Leslie

Kerry O'Malley

Directed by Dave Green