Noon, the moment when the sun is at its zenith, has often been used in cinema to signify a turning point, a climax, or a moment of revelation. This collection of adventure films not only captures the essence of high noon but also uses it as a backdrop for thrilling escapades, daring quests, and unforgettable journeys. Whether it's a showdown in the desert, a treasure hunt under the blazing sun, or a race against time, these films showcase the dramatic potential of midday in adventure storytelling. Here's a curated list of 10 films where noon is more than just a time of day; it's a key element in the narrative.

The Treasure of the Sierra Madre (1948)
Description: This adventure film features a pivotal scene where the protagonists find gold at noon, highlighting the moment of their greatest triumph and subsequent downfall.
Fact: The film was shot on location in Mexico, and the heat of the noon sun was a real challenge for the cast and crew.


High Noon (1952)
Description: This classic Western revolves around Marshal Will Kane, who must face a gang of killers at high noon, showcasing the tension and drama of a town at its most vulnerable moment.
Fact: The film was shot in real-time, with the entire story unfolding in the 85 minutes before noon. It was also one of the first films to use the clock as a narrative device.


Lawrence of Arabia (1962)
Description: The film captures the vastness of the desert at noon, where T.E. Lawrence's adventures and personal transformation take place under the harsh midday sun.
Fact: The film was shot in 70mm, which allowed for stunning visuals of the desert at noon. The famous scene where Lawrence blows up a train was filmed in real-time.


The Good, the Bad and the Ugly (1966)
Description: While not strictly set at noon, the iconic final showdown occurs at midday, symbolizing the culmination of the characters' journey through the Civil War-torn landscape.
Fact: The film was originally intended to be the first in a trilogy, but due to its success, it became the last. The famous three-way standoff was filmed in a single take.


The Road Warrior (1981)
Description: While not explicitly set at noon, the film's post-apocalyptic setting often features the harsh midday sun, emphasizing the barren, unforgiving landscape.
Fact: The film was shot in the Australian outback, where the intense noon sun was a constant presence, influencing the film's visual style.


Romancing the Stone (1984)
Description: The film features a treasure hunt that culminates at noon, where the protagonists must solve a riddle under the sun's direct rays to find the treasure.
Fact: The film was shot in various locations in Mexico, with the noon sun providing dramatic lighting for many scenes.


Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989)
Description: The film features a dramatic scene where Indiana Jones must solve the riddle of the Grail at noon, showcasing the importance of timing in adventure storytelling.
Fact: The film was shot in various locations, including Spain, where the noon sun provided the perfect backdrop for the Grail's reveal.


The Mummy (1999)
Description: The adventure begins in earnest at noon when the sun's position is crucial for opening the ancient tomb, setting off a chain of events filled with action and supernatural elements.
Fact: The film was inspired by the 1932 film of the same name but took a more action-adventure approach, with the noon sun playing a key role in the plot.


Sahara (2005)
Description: The adventure film follows a treasure hunter and his team as they race against time to find a lost Confederate ship, with a key scene set at noon in the desert.
Fact: The film was shot in Morocco, where the noon sun was used to create dramatic lighting effects.


The Lost City of Gold (1986)
Description: This sequel to "Romancing the Stone" continues the adventure, with a key moment where the characters must navigate through a jungle at noon to reach their destination.
Fact: The film was shot in Belize, where the intense noon sun was both a challenge and an asset for the cinematography.
