Action-adventure is one of the most impactful genres in the film industry. Not only is it universally popular, but this broad term can cover a massive range of subthemes.
From sci-fi space operas to crime thrillers, action-adventure films cover just about any type of narrative—as long as it’s heavy on danger elements and involves some kind of quest.
Over the decades, it has remained a genre capable of producing blockbuster stories and lasting heroes.
The same is true for the sets involved, which have provided larger-than-life backdrops for some of the most iconic tales ever told on the silver screen.
Let’s take a look at some of the most lasting and recognizable action-adventure sets from each decade, starting in the 1960s and ending in the 90s.
1960s: Once Upon a Time in the West
If you remember films from the 1960s, you’re probably thinking of two iconic action-adventure genres: Clint Eastwood’s Wild West films and Sean Connery’s James Bond flicks.
However, given the ongoing success of Bond films, the more identifiable choice from the 1960s goes the way of Western cinema.
Once Upon a Time in the West is one of the most well-known hits. In fact, when many people imagine a Western film, they’re probably thinking about McBain Ranch, the iconic set of the film’s many gun fights. In 2009, the US Library of Congress added it to the National Film Registry.
1970s: Enter the Dragon
Spaghetti Westerns like the one mentioned above were often filmed and produced abroad, particularly in Italy.
And when it comes to other iconic action-adventure hits, other international scenes feature just as heavily. Enter the magic of Enter the Dragon, Bruce Lee’s final martial arts flick.
As yet another addition to the US’s National Film Registry by the Library of Congress, this film’s most iconic set is its mirrored room in which Lee takes down the film’s leading villain.
A feat of both the imagination and camerawork, this scene has stood the test of time—even if Lee wasn’t originally a fan.
1980s: Raiders of the Lost Ark
Martial arts and Westerns aside, there’s yet another iconic tale that took the world by storm: Indiana Jones. Back in 1981, Raiders of the Lost Ark took audiences back into the jungle and straight into a booby-trapped-laden temple. The film remains one of the most memorable of the 80s.
But what’s more than the set design of Raiders of the Lost Ark was the introduction of a quirky and fallible hero in Indy. In fact, this hero led to dozens of other projects, from Uncharted to Tomb Raider. Even in the realm of online slots, the world’s most popular casino game, heroes like Indy pop up. For example, Rich Wilde is a titular hero of the game series Book of Dead, which is one of the most popular selections for slot players.
1990s: The Matrix
Sci-fi flicks in the 1970s and 80s were incredibly influential—even if they didn’t make the list here. However, there’s no contest in terms of unforgettable and legacy-inducing action-adventure sci-fi sets. The Matrix takes the cake for introducing viewers to a brand new, green-and-black world of binary code.
Even the film’s costume design closely builds on its sci-fi and dystopic themes, which brought together elements from hits like Mad Max and Star Wars alike.
While it might not seem that novel to audiences today, this highly original project introduced the world to one of the most feasible and haunting enemies: AI.
Special Mentions
Hindsight is 20/20, which means the leading action-adventure sets from this century might not be finalized yet. But we’ve got a few of the top options that stand out.
- 2000s: The Bourne franchise stands out as the most iconic action-adventure series of this era—but are its sets distinct enough to stand out? There’s also fodder to consider Gladiator for the title, as audiences haven’t forgotten its Coliseum scenes.
- 2010s: Keanu Reeves is back in the mix with his portrayal of John Wick—but, as with the Bourne series, its tensest scenes take place across a series of public settings. The Raid, by contrast, offers an unforgettable and bloody romp through a small skyscraper.