Jules Verne Movies List: Discovering Iconic Movies Based on His Works

There is something about novels being adapted into movies. If you are an avid reader you would know the renowned French novelist, poet, and playwright Jules Verne. He gifted the world with some of the literature masterpieces like “Around the World in Eighty Days” and “Journey to the Center of the Earth”. His novels have been adapted into movies since the initial days of cinema. 

Jules Verne movies list consists of some of the cult classics that have aged like fine wine over the years. It is said that an artist never dies and he lives in our hearts through his art and that seems to be the case when it comes to Jules Verne. 

Rotten Tomatoes Rating	84%
Release Date	16 December 1959
Directed By	Henry Levin

The 1959 cinematic masterpiece takes you on a thrilling journey. The movie remains a cult classic and is often quoted as one of the best Jules Verne movies. Journey to the Center of the Earth stars James Mason, Pat Boone, and Arlene Dahl. 

A team of explorers set out on an incredible odyssey to the centre of the Earth, via an underground volcanic tube, with hopes of finding a rare mineral. During their journey, they must overcome obstacles such as gigantic mushrooms and creatures from prehistory. But not only do they experience an exhilarating adventure along their path – they also stumble upon an ancient civilization and unveil enigmatic secrets about our planet’s interior.

Rotten Tomatoes Rating	81%
Release Date	20 December 1961
Directed By	Cy Endfield

The 1961 release Mystery Island was way ahead of its time with its special effects and creative storyline and became a trendsetter for all the fantasy movies that followed. The Cy Endfield directorial starred Michael Craig, Joan Greenwood, and Gary Merrill. 

When a group of Union soldiers bravely escape from the Confederate prison camp in an improbable hot air balloon, a storm lands them on a strange island. Uncertain of what lies ahead, they are shocked at their discovery; upon landing on the unknown island, they stumble across peculiar and hazardous creatures such as giant bees, birds, and even crabs that can grow to monstrous sizes. On this list of Jules Verne movies, this one did a pretty good job of bringing the creative work of Verne onto the screen.  

Rotten Tomatoes Rating	34%
Release Date	22 August 1962
Directed By	Irwin Allen

Jules Verne has always projected his knack for exploring the unexplored through his creative works and Five Weeks in a Balloon is no different. The action-packed 1962 movie was directed by Irwin Allen and starred Red Buttons, Fabian Forte, and Barbara Eden. 

Fergusson, a daring balloonist, leads an ambitious group of adventurers into the mysterious depths of Africa. As they traverse unknown lands and battle hostile natives and rivals alike, these explorers make incredible discoveries while also coming face-to-face with some fascinating wildlife. From treacherous terrain to thrilling encounters – no one knows what’s in store for this intrepid crew.

Rotten Tomatoes Rating	90%
Release Date	20 December 1954
Directed By	Richard Fleisher

The one that started it all. 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea was an instant hit among the audience and made Jules Verne’s movies a hit during the 50s and 60s. The movie takes you on an adventurous journey of the underwater world and sets the tone for what to expect from Verne’s movies. 

Embark on a captivating journey with a band of sailors as they hunt for the elusive sea beast that has been wreaking havoc. As their search leads them to the renowned Nautilus, helmed by the enigmatic Captain Nemo, prepare yourself for an unparalleled adventure into depths of uncharted waters – and perhaps even secrets long forgotten. Uncovering secrets about its surroundings including unprecedented creatures and revealing Nemo’s heartbreaking past, join these folks on their voyage filled with thrilling challenges from deep-sea monsters to colossal squids in an epic showdown against warships.

Rotten Tomatoes Rating	63%
Release Date	19 December 1962
Directed By	Robert Stevenson

The 1962 release In Search of Castaways marks the second Disney production on this Jules Verne movies list. The novel by Verne was titled Captain Grant’s Children and the plot revolves around the lost children of the sea captain. The story is about how the children travel across the globe in search of their father. In Search of Castaways movie cast includes Maurice Chevalier, Hayley Mills, George Sanders, and many legendary actors. The movie once again witnessed the creative genius of Jules Verne.

Rotten Tomatoes Rating	20%
Release Date	24 May 1961
Directed By	William Witney

Jules Verne’s classic 1904 novel, Master of the World, was brought to life in 1961 by director William Witney and a star-studded cast of Charles Bronson, Henry Hull, and Vincent Price. The science fiction adventure film is an adaptation of the book that has captured hearts for over a century with its captivating story about a man who will go to any extent to establish world peace. 

Robur, a scientist determined to control the world with his powerful airship called Albatross, is not going unchallenged. A group of intrepid individuals led by a US secret service agent launched an expedition to foil Robur’s scheme and restore peace in the world. Along their journey, they must overcome treacherous terrain, wild animals, hostile natives, and more! As they uncover Robur’s secrets from the past; however, will it bring them closer or farther away from completing their mission?

Rotten Tomatoes Rating	32%
Release Date	16 June 2004
Directed By	Frank Coraci

Believe me when we say Jules Verne novels are a timeless masterpiece and this 2004 release is proof of the same. Around the World in 80 Days is once again a Disney production and received massive love from the audience. The movie starred none other than Jackie Chan along with Steve Coogan and Cécile de France. 

In an exciting challenge, Victorian gentleman Phileas Fogg wagers with his Reform Club peers that he can traverse the world in under eighty days. During this daring expedition, Fogg and his valet Passepartout face a range of obstacles such as robbers, natural disasters, and even suspicions from the British government that deem him a criminal. But through all their struggles come new relationships; they make friends with an inventor and a princess along the way.

Rotten Tomatoes Rating	100%
Release Date	27 June 1958
Directed By	Karel Zeman

In 1958, Karel Zeman directed the thought-provoking science fiction feature film, Invention for Destruction, adapted from Jules Verne’s 1865 classic novel, Robur the Conqueror. It was also released as The Fabulous World of Jules Verne. Like all the movies on this Jules Verne movies list, this one also received appreciation from the audience.

Artigas, a shrewd innovator, builds an ambitious airship named the Albatross – only to become intoxicated with using it to take over the world. To prevent this catastrophe, a courageous group of people must bravely stand up against him and his aircraft. This movie is composed of live-action and animation sequences with eye-catching special effects that showcase amazing scenes from Robur’s aerial adventures on board The Albatross.

Rotten Tomatoes Rating	60%
Release Date	11 July 2008
Directed By	Eric Brevig

Jules Verne’s novels can fit into all generations, and this Brendan Fraser starrer is proof. The 2008 release Journey to the Center of the Earth is one of the best movies by Brendan Fraser. The movie was released in 3D and 4D for an immersive viewing experience. 

When teenager Sean Anderson gets a chance to stay with his uncle, he decides to follow the oath of his lost brother in hopes of finding any clue. The duo sets out on an expedition and is joined by a guide, Hannah. They soon discover a hidden world in the center of the Earth. The daring crew makes remarkable discoveries about the Earth’s inner workings and uncovers captivating secrets that have remained hidden away for centuries.

Rotten Tomatoes Rating	45%
Release Date	10 February 2012
Directed By	Brad Peyton

The 2012 release served as the sequel to the 2008 release Journey to the Center of the Earth. The movie starred some of the major names in Hollywood, including Dwayne Johnson, Michael Caine, and Josh Hutcherson. Like all other movies on this Jules Verne movies list, this one was equally loved by the audience and the critics for its creativity and is often quoted as one of the best works of Josh Hutcherson. 

Sean, a brave teenager, leaves home on an extraordinary journey to explore the secrets of the mysterious Bermuda Triangle with his stepfather Hank and two new companions- helicopter pilot Gabato and his daughter Kailani. As they traverse this unknown land filled with epic beasts such as giant lizards and man-eating bees, Sean discovers more than just adventure; he uncovers the truth behind his grandfather’s disappearance.

Rotten Tomatoes Rating	NA
Release Date	28 October 1970
Directed By	Eriprando Visconti

Embark on an intrepid journey with Strogoff, the 1970 French-Italian adventure movie from director Sergio Gobbi that features Jean-Louis Trintignant, Ornella Muti, and Pierre Brasseur. The movie is adapted from Jules Verne’s riveting 1876 novel Michael Strogoff: The Courier of the Czar and full justice to the author’s creativity.

Michael Strogoff embarks on a daring mission as he sets out to deliver an urgent message to the Czar. Michael must traverse the treacherous terrain, and evade wild animals and hostile natives to accomplish his goal. However, amidst perilous obstacles, he finds new friends and allies who assist him in uncovering the Tartars’ hidden plan. Join Michael’s heroic journey as he bravely fights against all odds.

Rotten Tomatoes Rating	NA
Release Date	15 September 1936
Directed By	Vladimir Vajnshtok, David Gutman

Captain Grant’s Family is based on Verne’s novel titled Les Enfants du Capitaine Grant which was released back in 1868. Warner Bros. Pictures took on the task of producing this engrossing cinematic masterpiece that will keep you engaged till the end. Later the movie got a remake titled In Search of Castaways. 

Join a daring group of adventurers as they search for the lost ship captain, and his two children and uncover the secrets of an uncharted island. Along this captivating journey, brace yourself for treacherous terrain, vicious wild animals, and menacing natives at every turn! Unravel the mysterious fate of these castaways as you discover what lies hidden in this unforgiving land.

Conclusion

Not everyone can survive the test of time and artists like Jules Verne have managed to do so with their irreplaceable creative genius. Jules Verne movies list have been entertaining the audience for years and are enjoyed by all no matter the age bar. He deserves to be recognized in the upcoming times as well.