The concept of treasure-hunting has always inspired viewers’ minds for a long time. Numerous films have explored this genre in different ways. From thrilling adventures to action-packed original stories, these movies will surely stir up your sense of adventure and leave you eager for treasure hunting. Here are the top 15 treasure hunt films that deserve a watch.
The Jungle Book
This American adventure film, released in 1994, was co-written and directed by Stephen Sommers. This live-action adventure movie is particularly the most underrated version of Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book.
In this adaptation, Jason Scott Lee plays the role of an adult Mowgli who suddenly undergoes a lifestyle change by entering human society. But despite leaving behind his jungle life, Mowgli gets exploited by some money-minded people who use his knowledge and skills of the jungle to find the hidden treasure for their own selfish motives. Though the movie was not a huge hit among viewers, it had several illuminating visuals and effects. The film can be currently streamed on Apple TV.
The Mummy
The action-adventure film directed by Stephen Sommers was released in 1999. It was a remake of a 1932 film of the same name. It is a perfect movie with thrills and action. The film was praised for being highly entertaining and featuring many horror scenes.
In the film, Brendan Fraser plays the main character, an adventurous explorer who joins a team of fellow explorers to find some ancient Egyptian treasures. But while on their expedition, their quest releases an evil mummy, which wreaks havoc on their journey. The movie can be currently streamed on HBO, HBO Max, Spectrum, and DIRECTV.
Romancing The Stone
The 1984 action-adventure romantic comedy, directed by Robert Zemeckis, is a mix of a thrilling treasure hunt story and a love story. In this movie, Kathleen Turner plays the lead role of a romance author who goes to Australia to look for her sister. On her way, she meets Michael Douglas, who plays the role of a daring adventurer and is on a journey to find hidden treasure.
During their journey to find the treasure, the two spark chemistry and start falling for each other. Also, Danny DeVito plays the role of a criminal who is in search of the same hidden treasure. The movie can be seen on demand on HBO, HBO Max, DIRECTV, and Spectrum.
The Rundown
The buddy action comedy film, directed by Peter Berg, was released in 2003. This movie proved the versatility of Dwayne Johnson as an actor in Hollywood. He plays the role of a soft-hearted hunter who finds his target in Brazil. However, his pursuit leads him on a dangerous journey to find a hidden treasure in a local area.
Dwayne Johnson was praised for effortlessly playing an action hero and for bringing humor and charm to his character, making the film enjoyable to watch. The film is currently available to stream on Peacock Premium.
Aladdin
The 1992 animated fantasy musical comedy film is regarded as one of the best animated movies ever. It tells the story of a poor young man who embarks on a journey to find a magical lamp. His life changes completely when he finds a magical lamp containing a genie. With the genie’s help, he gets the opportunity to talk to a princess.
Though the lamp’s discovery only occurs in the first half of the movie, it is considered one of the most exciting sequences. The movie is currently available to stream online on Disney+ Hotstar.
National Treasure
The adventurous heist film was released in the year 2004 and was directed by John Turteltaub. The movie is similar to the adventures of modern Indiana Jones. Nicolas Cage plays the main lead role of a historian who embarks on a journey to find a hidden treasure that has been kept secret since America’s founding.
During his journey, he fights many enemies and authorities who come in his way to uncover the map of the treasure kept behind the Declaration of Independence. Other actors who star in this pure popcorn entertainment are Jon Voight, Christopher Plummer, and Sean Bean.
The Adventures Of Tintin
The 2011 epic animated action-adventure film is directed by the dynamic duo of Steven Spielberg and Peter Jackson. The movie tells the story of Tintin (played by Jamie Bell) and his companions as they embark on a journey to find a hidden and lost treasure from an old-age pirate ship.
However, the French cartoon character, who has been brought to life, and his companions face several challenges and obstacles by the descendants of Sir Francis’s nemesis, Red Rackham. As of now, the movie is available to stream on Apple TV, and fans are eagerly awaiting the next chapter.
Indiana Jones And The Last Crusade
The American action-adventure film was released in the year 1989 and was directed by Steven Speilberg. This was the third Indiana Jones movie, which continued the tradition of following amazing treasure-hunting adventures. In the movie, Indy and his father join hands to find the treasure, which is a holy grail that grants immortality to anyone who drinks it. The film is a great combination of laughter, excitement, and moments of surprise.
By directing this treasure-hunting movie, Speilberg once again proved that no one can beat him in directing amazing action set pieces. The action-packed movie is currently available to stream on Apple TV.
Three Kings
The black comedy war film, directed by David O. Russell, was released in 1999. It tells the story of three soldiers who come together to find gold from Saddam Hussein’s bunkers at the end of the Gulf War.
The three kings devise a plan and adopt a very modern approach to find the treasure which makes this film an interesting option to watch. The main roles are played by Ice Cube, George Clooney, and Mark Wahlberg. The movie is a great pick for those who enjoy laughter, drama, and action all at once.
Pirates Of The Caribbean: The Curse Of The Black Pearl
The 2003 swashbuckler fantasy film was directed by Gore Verbinski and proved to be one of the best pirate movies in history. The movie stars Johnny Depp as Captain Jack Sparrow, one of the lead characters who is a quirky pirate who wants to control his old ship.
But the crew of his old ship has been cursed by a secret treasure. This movie was regarded as the best just because of Johnny Depp’s performance, which added a great deal of excitement and humor to the story. As of now, the American fantasy film is available on Disney+ Hotstar.
It’s A Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World
The epic comedy film, directed by Stanley Kramer, was released in 1963. It tells the story of a few motorists who, by mistake, hear a rumor that a treasure is hidden somewhere. During their quest, they try to beat each other to reach the location first.
The movie stars Spencer Tracy, Mickey Rooney, and Milton Berle in the lead roles and has some surprising cameos. It also has some thrilling stunt scenes along with funny and exciting comedy. Currently, the movie is available to stream on Hoopla, Roku, Kanopy, Pluto TV, and Tubi.
Raiders Of The Lost Ark
The action-adventure film was released in 1981 and is based on the story by George Lucas and Philip Kaufman. The movie stars Harrison Ford in the lead role of Indiana Jones, who is a world-traveling archaeologist. He embarks on a journey to find the Ark of the Covenant before the Nazis could find out.
The Ark in the film has the power to make anyone invincible. The movie is regarded as a great mix of laughter, thrills, and adventure. As of now, the action-packed movie is available to be streamed on Apple TV.
The Goonies
The 1985 adventure comedy film is based on the idea of young people searching for treasure by young kids. It is a story that brings the feeling of adventure to the silver screen along with an extraordinary family-friendly story.
The Richard Donner-directed film follows the story of some kids who embark on a journey to find a hidden treasure when they find a map that tells them its exact location. The central theme of the movie is friendship, along with being funny, adventurous, and touching. If you are someone who wants to watch this film, you can do so by streaming it on Apple TV.
The Treasure Of The Sierra Madre
The Western American film was released in 1948 and directed by John Huston. It is another take on describing Western American culture, which primarily focuses on greed and wealth. The movie is based on the story of two Americans who go to Mexico to find work.
However, while doing this, they join an old prospector to find gold in an old mine. They undergo several difficulties and challenges in finding the treasure. Also, the movie provides a compelling portrayal of how this quest affects them emotionally. Currently, the movie is available to watch on Apple TV.
The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly
The Western Italian film, released in 1966, is regarded as one of Sergio Leone’s greatest works and the biggest take on the treasure-hunting story. It tells the story of three titular characters who embark on a journey to find the secret treasure that has been hidden in a graveyard for quite a long time.
Clint Eastwood, Eli Wallach, and Lee Van Cleef are the main protagonists in this beautiful film. As of now, the epic action-adventure or the greatest Spaghetti Western movie is available to stream on Apple TV.
