Top 10 Adventure Films About Artifact Hunting

Description: While not strictly about finding an artifact, this film involves a museum curator and a biologist investigating a mysterious creature linked to an ancient artifact. It's an adventure with a horror twist, exploring the dangers of ancient relics.

Fact: The film was based on the novel by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child, and it was one of the first major films to use CGI for creature effects.

Description: Rick O'Connell, an adventurer, accidentally awakens an ancient curse when he discovers the tomb of Imhotep. This film combines elements of horror, adventure, and the quest for the Book of the Dead, an artifact with immense power.

Fact: The film was a major box office success, leading to a franchise, and it revitalized interest in the classic Universal monster movies.

Description: Lara Croft, an intrepid explorer, races to find the Triangle of Light, an ancient artifact with the power to control time. This film brings the video game character to life, focusing on her quest for artifacts.

Fact: Angelina Jolie underwent extensive physical training to portray Lara Croft, including learning to handle weapons and perform stunts.

Description: Dirk Pitt, a treasure hunter, searches for a lost Civil War ironclad ship in the Sahara desert. The film blends historical adventure with modern-day treasure hunting, showcasing the allure of lost treasures.

Fact: The film was based on the novel by Clive Cussler, who was initially unhappy with the adaptation but later warmed to it.

Description: Benjamin Franklin Gates, a treasure hunter, follows clues left by America's Founding Fathers to find a hidden treasure. This film is a modern take on the treasure hunt genre, combining history with a race against time.

Fact: The film was inspired by the real-life mystery of the Knights Templar treasure, and many of the historical references are based on actual historical events and theories.

Description: Based on Dan Brown's novel, this film follows symbologist Robert Langdon as he unravels a mystery linked to the Holy Grail. It's a modern-day treasure hunt with deep historical and religious undertones.

Fact: The Louvre Museum allowed filming inside its premises, a rare occurrence, which added authenticity to the film's settings.

Description: Flynn Carsen, a bookish librarian, is thrust into an adventure to retrieve pieces of the Spear of Destiny. This TV movie series offers a lighter, more whimsical take on the artifact hunting genre.

Fact: The film spawned a successful trilogy and later a TV series, "The Librarians," expanding the universe of artifact-based adventures.

Description: Allan Quatermain, an adventurer, is hired to find a lost explorer and the legendary mines of King Solomon. This film is a classic treasure hunt set in Africa, filled with action and exotic locales.

Fact: The film was part of a wave of adventure films in the '80s, capitalizing on the success of "Indiana Jones."

Description: This iconic film follows archaeologist Indiana Jones on his quest to find the Ark of the Covenant before the Nazis can harness its power. It's the epitome of artifact hunting adventures, blending historical intrigue with high-stakes action.

Fact: The boulder chase scene was inspired by a 1954 film, "Secret of the Incas." The film's success led to the creation of a franchise that has become synonymous with adventure cinema.

Description: In this sequel to "Romancing the Stone," Joan Wilder and Jack Colton search for El Dorado, the legendary city of gold. It's a classic adventure tale with a comedic twist, focusing on the pursuit of mythical treasures.

Fact: The film was shot in Mexico, and the city of gold set was one of the largest ever built for a movie at the time.