15 Best Movies about Treasure Hunting

Lila Sommers

Lila Sommers

treasure hunting movies

Ever dreamt of unearthing ancient treasures, deciphering cryptic maps, or embarking on perilous quests for hidden gold? Well, you're not alone! There's an undeniable allure to the world of treasure hunting, and Hollywood knows it all too well.

Over the years, the silver screen has gifted us with cinematic gems that capture the thrill of the chase, the excitement of discovery, and the dangers that lurk in unknown territories.

So, grab your compass, put on your explorer's hat, and join me as we dive into the 15 best movies about 'treasure hunting'.

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Rotten tomatoes84%
iMBD65
Metacritic8.2

Whip-cracking archaeologist Indiana Jones is back, and this time, it's personal! When his father, Dr. Henry Jones, goes missing while chasing the legend of the Holy Grail, Indy finds himself racing against the Nazis to find the sacred chalice. But this isn't just about ancient relics; it's a journey of father-son reconciliation. As they dodge deadly traps and decipher cryptic clues, the duo discovers that the real treasure might just be the bond they share. So, buckle up, because Indy's about to teach us that some adventures are timeless, and family is the greatest adventure of all!

CAST

Harrison Ford

Harrison Ford

Sean Connery

Sean Connery

Denholm Elliott

Denholm Elliott

Alison Doody

Alison Doody

John Rhys-Davies

John Rhys-Davies

Julian Glover

Julian Glover

River Phoenix

River Phoenix

Michael Byrne

Michael Byrne

Kevork Malikyan

Kevork Malikyan

Robert Eddison

Directed by Steven Spielberg
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Rotten tomatoes46%
iMBD40
Metacritic6.9

Benjamin Franklin Gates isn't your typical historian. With a family legend suggesting a treasure map is hidden on the back of the Declaration of Independence, Ben's got more than just history on his mind. As he races against time (and a few unsavory characters) to protect America's most iconic document, he discovers that the path to riches is paved with riddles, danger, and a dash of romance. Dive into a whirlwind journey where history comes alive, and every clue is a key to the nation's heart. Ready to unlock America's best-kept secret?

CAST

Nicolas Cage

Nicolas Cage

Diane Kruger

Diane Kruger

Justin Bartha

Justin Bartha

Sean Bean

Sean Bean

Jon Voight

Jon Voight

Harvey Keitel

Harvey Keitel

Christopher Plummer

Christopher Plummer

David Dayan Fisher

David Dayan Fisher

Stewart Finlay-McLennan

Stewart Finlay-McLennan

Oleg Taktarov

Oleg Taktarov

Directed by Jon Turteltaub
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Rotten tomatoes77%
iMBD62
Metacritic7.7

Hey, you guys! In the sleepy town of Astoria, a band of misfit kids stumbles upon a dusty old map leading to the legendary pirate One-Eyed Willy's hidden treasure. With their homes threatened by developers, this is their one shot at saving the day. But the path to gold isn't easy, filled with booby traps, cryptic puzzles, and the notorious Fratelli family hot on their trail. As they venture underground, the Goonies discover that friendship is the real treasure. So, lace up your sneakers, and get ready for a heartwarming adventure that reminds us all of the magic of childhood and the unbreakable bonds of friendship. Goonies never say die!

CAST

Sean Astin

Sean Astin

Josh Brolin

Josh Brolin

Jeff Cohen

Jeff Cohen

Corey Feldman

Corey Feldman

Kerri Green

Kerri Green

Martha Plimpton

Martha Plimpton

Ke Huy Quan

Ke Huy Quan

John Matuszak

John Matuszak

Robert Davi

Robert Davi

Joe Pantoliano

Joe Pantoliano

Directed by Richard Donner

2 degrees of seperation (similar to The Goonies)

E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
The Princess Bride
Back to the Future
Gremlins
The Lost Boys
Stand by Me
The Sandlot
The NeverEnding Story
Adventures in Babysitting
The Monster Squad
The Mighty Ducks
Super 8
Explorers
Flight of the Navigator
The Secret of NIMH
Monster House
Hook
The Outsiders
Time Bandits
The Last Starfighter
The Monster Squad
The Adventures of Baron Munchausen
City of Ember
Earth to Echo
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Rotten tomatoes93%
iMBD85
Metacritic8.4

Dive into the dusty boots of the iconic Dr. Indiana Jones, an archaeologist with a flair for danger and a penchant for adventure. When Indy learns that the Nazis are on the hunt for the biblical Ark of the Covenant, he's thrust into a globe-trotting race against time. With his whip in hand and iconic fedora atop his head, our hero navigates treacherous terrains, ancient traps, and dark secrets. But it's not just about the thrill; it's a battle of good versus evil. Can Indy outsmart his adversaries and prevent the Ark's divine powers from falling into the wrong hands? Buckle up, because this is one roller-coaster ride through history you won't forget!

CAST

Harrison Ford

Harrison Ford

Karen Allen

Karen Allen

Paul Freeman

Paul Freeman

John Rhys-Davies

John Rhys-Davies

Ronald Lacey

Ronald Lacey

Wolf Kahler

Wolf Kahler

Anthony Higgins

Anthony Higgins

Denholm Elliott

Denholm Elliott

Alfred Molina

Alfred Molina

Vic Tablian

Directed by Steven Spielberg
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Rotten tomatoes80%
iMBD63
Metacritic8.1

Ahoy, mateys! Enter the swashbuckling world of Captain Jack Sparrow, a pirate with swagger, charm, and a knack for getting into (and out of) trouble. When the cunning Captain Barbossa steals his ship, the Black Pearl, and kidnaps the governor's daughter, Elizabeth, it sets off a chain of events filled with sword fights, cursed treasure, and undead pirates. Teaming up with the dashing Will Turner, Jack sails through treacherous waters, battling supernatural foes and his own notorious reputation. It's a tale of love, betrayal, and high-seas hijinks. So, raise the Jolly Roger and set sail on an adventure where the line between hero and villain is as blurry as Jack's vision after a bottle of rum!

CAST

Johnny Depp

Johnny Depp

Orlando Bloom

Orlando Bloom

Keira Knightley

Keira Knightley

Geoffrey Rush

Geoffrey Rush

Jack Davenport

Jack Davenport

Jonathan Pryce

Jonathan Pryce

Lee Arenberg

Lee Arenberg

Mackenzie Crook

Mackenzie Crook

Damian O'Hare

Damian O'Hare

Giles New

Giles New

Directed by Gore Verbinski
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Rotten tomatoes8%
iMBD29
Metacritic5.2

Journey deep into the heart of Africa with the rugged adventurer Allan Quatermain. Hired by a desperate woman to find her missing husband, Quatermain embarks on a perilous quest to uncover the legendary King Solomon's Mines, rumored to be filled with unimaginable riches. But they're not alone; treacherous enemies lurk in the shadows, eager to claim the treasure for themselves. As they navigate dense jungles, face fierce tribes, and unravel ancient mysteries, the line between friend and foe becomes increasingly thin. It's a tale of courage, love, and the insatiable human thirst for discovery. So, pack your bags and venture into the unknown, where danger, romance, and untold treasures await!

CAST

Richard Chamberlain

Richard Chamberlain

Sharon Stone

Sharon Stone

Herbert Lom

Herbert Lom

John Rhys-Davies

John Rhys-Davies

Ken Gampu

Ken Gampu

June Buthelezi

Sam Williams

Fidelis Chea

Shaike Ophir

Shaike Ophir

Mick Lesley

Directed by J. Lee Thompson
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Rotten tomatoes53%
iMBD48
Metacritic6.3

Dive into the adrenaline-pumping world of Lara Croft, a fiercely independent young woman who's not just any heiress. Rejecting her family's fortune, she's on a quest to solve the mystery of her father's enigmatic disappearance. Venturing into the treacherous Devil's Sea, Lara finds herself on a desolate island where danger lurks at every corner. From treacherous terrains to shadowy foes, she's tested both physically and mentally. But with each puzzle she solves and trap she evades, Lara inches closer to her destiny. Will she embrace her legacy as the Tomb Raider? Buckle up, because this isn't just a treasure hunt; it's a journey of self-discovery.

CAST

Alicia Vikander

Alicia Vikander

Dominic West

Dominic West

Walton Goggins

Walton Goggins

Daniel Wu

Daniel Wu

Kristin Scott Thomas

Kristin Scott Thomas

Derek Jacobi

Derek Jacobi

Hannah John-Kamen

Hannah John-Kamen

Antonio Aakeel

Antonio Aakeel

Duncan Airlie James

Duncan Airlie James

Jaime Winstone

Jaime Winstone

Directed by Roar Uthaug
Image
iMBD48
Metacritic7.1

Whisk yourself away to the sands of Egypt where adventurer Rick O'Connell and the lovely librarian Evelyn unearth more than just artifacts. Accidentally awakening Imhotep, an ancient evil priest, they're thrust into a whirlwind of curses, undead terrors, and forbidden romance. As the mummy seeks revenge and immortality, our duo, with a mix of wit, charm, and sheer bravery, must prevent him from plunging the world into eternal darkness. Amidst sandstorms and scarabs, this isn't just an archaeological expedition; it's a race against time. So, hold onto your hats, because this Egyptian escapade is one thrilling, bandage-wrapped roller coaster!

CAST

Brendan Fraser

Brendan Fraser

Rachel Weisz

Rachel Weisz

John Hannah

John Hannah

Arnold Vosloo

Arnold Vosloo

Patricia Velásquez

Patricia Velásquez

Kevin J. O'Connor

Kevin J. O'Connor

Jonathan Hyde

Jonathan Hyde

Oded Fehr

Oded Fehr

Erick Avari

Erick Avari

Stephen Dunham

Stephen Dunham

Directed by Stephen Sommers
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Rotten tomatoes11%
iMBD29
Metacritic5.7

Sun, sea, and a tantalizing treasure hunt! Dive into the turquoise waters of the Caribbean with Ben and Tess, a recently divorced couple who find their flames of passion reignited by a centuries-old nautical mystery. As they chase clues to a sunken Spanish galleon and its golden loot, they're not just battling treacherous ocean currents but also a gang of ruthless treasure hunters. With sun-kissed beaches, sparkling banter, and a dash of danger, this adventure is as much about rediscovering love as it is about unearthing riches. So, slap on some sunscreen and get ready for a romantic romp that proves sometimes, the real treasure is the journey itself.

CAST

Matthew McConaughey

Matthew McConaughey

Kate Hudson

Kate Hudson

Donald Sutherland

Donald Sutherland

Alexis Dziena

Alexis Dziena

Ewen Bremner

Ewen Bremner

Ray Winstone

Ray Winstone

Kevin Hart

Kevin Hart

Malcolm-Jamal Warner

Malcolm-Jamal Warner

Brian Hooks

Brian Hooks

David Roberts

David Roberts

Directed by Andy Tennant
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Rotten tomatoes21%
iMBD45
Metacritic5.9

Dive deep into the mesmerizing azure waters of the Bahamas with Jared and Sam, a young couple passionate about the sea and its secrets. But when a sun-soaked day leads them to the wreckage of a sunken plane filled with illicit cargo, they're plunged into a whirlpool of danger and temptation. As they race against time to find a legendary shipwreck rumored to be laden with treasures, they must navigate treacherous waters, both literally and figuratively. Friendships are tested, loyalties are questioned, and the allure of untold riches might just cost them everything. Hold your breath, because in these waters, trust can be as elusive as buried treasure.

CAST

Paul Walker

Paul Walker

Jessica Alba

Jessica Alba

Scott Caan

Scott Caan

Ashley Scott

Ashley Scott

Josh Brolin

Josh Brolin

James Frain

James Frain

Dwayne Adway

Dwayne Adway

Chris Taloa

Chris Taloa

Tyson Beckford

Tyson Beckford

Directed by John Stockwell
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Rotten tomatoes100%
iMBD98
Metacritic8.2

Venture back in time to the rugged landscapes of 1920s Mexico, where two down-on-their-luck Americans join forces with a grizzled prospector, dreaming of striking gold. As they dig deeper into the heart of the Sierra Madre mountains, the glitter of gold dust soon becomes a blinding obsession. But with wealth comes paranoia, and the wilderness isn't the only threat they face. Greed, betrayal, and the haunting question of how far one would go for fortune become the real challenges. In this gripping tale, the true nature of treasure isn't just about the gold—it's about the soul's journey and the price of ambition.

CAST

Humphrey Bogart

Humphrey Bogart

Walter Huston

Walter Huston

Tim Holt

Tim Holt

Bruce Bennett

Bruce Bennett

Barton MacLane

Barton MacLane

Alfonso Bedoya

Alfonso Bedoya

Arturo Soto Rangel

Arturo Soto Rangel

Manuel Dondé

Manuel Dondé

José Torvay

José Torvay

Margarito Luna

Directed by John Huston
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Rotten tomatoes38%
iMBD41
Metacritic6

Strap in for a roller-coaster ride across the scorching sands of West Africa with Dirk Pitt, a charismatic adventurer with an insatiable thirst for the unknown. On a mission to find a Civil War battleship rumored to be lost in the desert, Dirk and his quirky team find themselves entangled in a web of conspiracies, warlords, and deadly secrets. But this isn't just about history or treasure—it's a race against time to prevent a global catastrophe. As the Sahara unveils its mysteries, the team realizes that the desert's greatest treasure might just be survival. Sandstorms, shootouts, and suspense—Sahara is a sunburned thrill ride from start to finish!

CAST

Matthew McConaughey

Matthew McConaughey

Penélope Cruz

Penélope Cruz

Steve Zahn

Steve Zahn

William H. Macy

William H. Macy

Lennie James

Lennie James

Lambert Wilson

Lambert Wilson

Glynn Turman

Glynn Turman

Rainn Wilson

Rainn Wilson

Clint Dyer

Clint Dyer

Delroy Lindo

Delroy Lindo

Directed by Breck Eisner
Image
Metacritic5.9

Meet Tad, a construction worker with dreams bigger than his hard hat. When mistaken for a famous archaeologist, Tad is whisked away on a whirlwind adventure to Peru. With a misfit team including a fearless parrot and a quirky professor, he's on the hunt for the legendary Lost City of Paititi. But watch out! Villains lurk in the shadows, eager to snatch the city's gold. Dive into this animated roller-coaster, as Tad discovers that sometimes, the real treasure isn't gold or jewels, but the journey itself and the friends we make along the way. Ready for a heartwarming adventure? Tad's waiting!

CAST

Óscar Barberán

Óscar Barberán

Michelle Jenner

Michelle Jenner

José Mota

José Mota

Pep Anton Muñoz

Pep Anton Muñoz

Miguel Ángel Jenner

Miguel Ángel Jenner

Luis Posada

Luis Posada

Meritxell Ané

Meritxell Ané

Directed by Enrique Gato
Image
iMBD41
Metacritic6.2

Sun, sea, and... secrets? When a vacationing couple stumbles upon a sunken shipwreck near Bermuda, they're thrust into a world of danger and intrigue. But this isn't just any wreck; it's laden with treasures and a mysterious vial that could hold the key to unimaginable power. As they dive deeper (literally and figuratively) into the mystery, they find themselves entangled with treasure hunters, local criminals, and the haunting shadows of the deep. Every dive becomes a dance with danger. Will they surface with the treasure, or will the ocean's depths claim them? Dive in, but remember to come up for air!

CAST

Robert Shaw

Robert Shaw

Jacqueline Bisset

Jacqueline Bisset

Nick Nolte

Nick Nolte

Louis Gossett Jr.

Louis Gossett Jr.

Eli Wallach

Eli Wallach

Robert Tessier

Robert Tessier

Dick Anthony Williams

Dick Anthony Williams

Bob Minor

Bob Minor

Earl Maynard

Earl Maynard

Teddy Tucker

Teddy Tucker

Directed by Peter Yates
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Rotten tomatoes50%
Metacritic6.2

In the icy realms of the Arctic, legends whisper of a lost island, a place of ancient treasures and mysteries. Enter Sir Anthony Ross, a determined British explorer, who assembles a daring team, including a French aeronaut and an Eskimo guide, to find his missing son and the fabled island. As their airship sails through the frosty skies, they encounter wonders and dangers beyond imagination. From mammoth-sized challenges to Viking secrets frozen in time, the expedition becomes more than just a rescue mission. It's a journey of discovery, camaraderie, and the timeless quest for the unknown. Pack your warmest coat; it's an adventure that'll give you chills!

CAST

Donald Sinden

Donald Sinden

David Hartman

David Hartman

Jacques Marin

Jacques Marin

Mako

Mako

David Gwillim

Agneta Eckemyr

Agneta Eckemyr

Sverre Anker Ousdal

Sverre Anker Ousdal

Gunnar Öhlund

Lasse Kolstad

Lasse Kolstad

Erik Silju

Directed by Robert Stevenson

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Lila Sommers

About Lila Sommers

Lila is your media maven with a passion for the extraordinary! Spot her at the local bookstore or crafting her own stories on lazy Sunday afternoons. From indie flicks to hidden gem tracks, Lila's knack for weaving words and tunes is unmatched, making her your ultimate companion in the exciting world of media and entertainment.

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