"20,000 Leagues Under the Sea" is an epic adventure film based on Jules Verne's classic novel of the same name. The story revolves around a mysterious and formidable submarine, the Nautilus, captained by the enigmatic Captain Nemo.

Viewers are introduced Professor Pierre Aronnax, his loyal assistant Conseil, and harpooner Ned Land, who join to investigate the reported sightings of a sea monster terrorizing the oceans. During their voyage, their ship is attacked, and the trio finds themselves stranded at sea. To their astonishment, they discover that the sea monster is, in fact, the technologically advanced Nautilus.

Captain Nemo, a brilliant and enigmatic inventor, welcomes the unexpected guests aboard his incredible submarine. However, he insists that they remain with him indefinitely, as their knowledge of the Nautilus poses a threat to his secrecy. The group soon becomes captivated by the marvels of the underwater Atlantis and the breathtaking beauty of the deep sea.

Beneath the grandeur of "20,000 Leagues Under the Sea" lies a profound critique of the destructive forces of imperialism and colonization. Nemo's seething disdain for the world above, dominated by oppressive empires and their exploitation of natural resources, serves as a warning for us about the impact of human ambition on the delicate balance of the Earth.

Release: 1954

Stars: Kirk Douglas, James Mason, Paul Lukas

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 90%

"Journey to the Center of the Earth" is a classic science fiction adventure film released in 1959, based on the novel of the same name by Jules Verne. The story follows the intrepid Professor Sir Oliver Lindenbrook, a renowned geologist and explorer, who embarks on an extraordinary quest to uncover Atlantis and the mysteries hidden beneath the Earth's surface.

The adventure begins when Lindenbrook discovers a tattered manuscript written in runic code, hinting at a passage to the Earth's core through the volcanic tubes in Iceland. Eager to validate the theories of his late colleague, Arne Saknussemm, Lindenbrook enlists the help of his young and enthusiastic student, Alec McEwen, as well as their Icelandic guide, Hans Belker.

Together, the brave trio embarks on a long, anticipating expedition to their destination. Once they arrive, the three encounter the beautiful and headstrong widow Carla Goteborg, who also joins their adventure in search of her missing husband.

As one of the best movies featuring the lost city of Atlantis, the underlying theme of exploration and discovery in "Journey to the Center of the Earth" resonates beyond the confines of the film's fantastical world. It celebrates the human's century-long quest for knowledge, understanding, and progress, reminding us how knowledge can transform both our understanding of the world and our own selves.

Release: 1959

Stars: James Mason, Pat Boone, Arlene Dahl

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 84%

"Black Panther: Wakanda Forever" continues the story of Wakanda after the passing of T'Challa, the former king. The film delves into the challenges faced by the nation and its people in the aftermath of T'Challa's death, focusing on his sister Shuri's determination to preserve their heritage and protect their homeland.

Shuri now becomes the central character, determined to find a cure for the terminal illness that claimed her brother's life. As the new leader of Wakanda, she grapples with the pressure from other nations to share their vibranium resources. The introduction of Namor, the ruler of the underwater kingdom Talokan, adds further complexity as he seeks retribution for the perceived exploitation of vibranium.

In "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever" the beauty of Atlantis takes just as much spotlight as the action sequences, as it its a city that witnesses and embraces the most major events of Shuri's adventure. Hannah Beachler, the production designer who returned from the first film, delved into a profound creative exploration to glorify the cinematic version of Atlantis, drawing straight inspiration from iconic films like "Jaws" and "Close Encounters of the Third Kind," along with the legendary comic imagery created by Jack Kirby. As such, it is one of the best movies featuring the lost city of Atlantis.

Release: 2022

Stars: Chadwick Boseman, Michael B. Jordan, Lupita Nyong'o

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 83%

In "Aquaman," the film introduces Arthur Curry, a half-human, half-Atlantean man who possesses the powers of water manipulation and superhuman strength. Although he is the heir to the underwater kingdom of Atlantis, Arthur has lived most of his life on land, unaware of his royal heritage.

As the rightful heir to the throne, Arthur's half-brother, King Orm, seeks to unite the seven underwater kingdoms and wage war against the surface world for polluting the oceans. To prevent this devastating conflict, Princess Mera seeks out Arthur, urging him to embrace his destiny as the true ruler of Atlantis and challenge Orm for the throne.

Reluctant at first, Arthur embarks on a journey to Atlantis, where he must confront his past, embrace his powers, and prove himself worthy of the crown. With the help of Mera, as well as his mentor, Nudis Vulko, and the mythical trident of Atlantis, Arthur must make the right choice that will define him as a king and as a man.

Beyond its stunning visual appeal, "Aquaman" takes a courageous stance on highlighting the consequences of human actions on the fragile ecosystems of the ocean: it prompts a reflection on humanity's impact on the environment by using Atlantis as a symbolic representation of our planet's aquatic wonders. Plus, the call for unity between the surface world and the underwater realms also transcends the boundaries of fiction to resonate as an urgent plea for real-life global cooperation in safeguarding our planet's natural treasures.

Release: 2018

Stars: Jason Momoa, Amber Heard, Willem Dafoe

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 65%

In "Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation," the vampire Count Dracula has been running a successful hotel for monsters for quite some time. Yet, he still feels the weight of loneliness and decides to take a break from his usual routine. His daughter Mavis surprises him with a family vacation on a luxurious cruise ship to Atlantis, specifically designed to cater to monsters' needs.

Things take an unexpected turn when Dracula encounters the cruise ship captain, Ericka, who secretly harbors a sinister plan. Unbeknownst to Dracula and his family, Ericka is the great-granddaughter of Van Helsing, an infamous monster hunter who seeks revenge on all monsters, including Dracula.

Amidst the sun-soaked fun and tropical adventures towards the beautiful Atlantis, romance blossoms between Dracula and Ericka. But as their relationship develops, Dracula's family starts to suspect that Ericka may not be all that she appears to be.

"Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation" continues to charm audiences through its delightful characters and colorful animation. The film's direction by Genndy Tartakovsky infuses the story with lively energy and imaginative visuals, transporting viewers to a vibrant world of monsters, sea creatures, and tropical paradises, with a dash of humor and hearfelt yet entertaining moments.

Release: 2018

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 62%