Embark on a cinematic journey where the allure of ancient relics drives the plot into the shadowy realms of crime. These films blend the excitement of treasure hunting with the suspense of criminal undertakings, offering viewers a unique mix of history, mystery, and intrigue. Whether it's a quest for a lost artifact or a heist involving priceless antiquities, these movies are perfect for those who love a good story with a historical twist.

Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)
Description: Indiana Jones races against Nazis to find the Ark of the Covenant, a relic with immense power, blending archaeology with crime and adventure.
Fact: The film's opening sequence was inspired by the 1954 film "Secret of the Incas."


The Relic (1997)
Description: A museum curator discovers a South American artifact that brings forth a creature, leading to a thrilling investigation and crime-solving scenario.
Fact: The film was based on the novel "Relic" by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child.


The Mummy (1999)
Description: While not strictly a crime film, it involves the theft of an ancient Egyptian artifact that unleashes a curse, leading to a series of criminal and supernatural events.
Fact: The film was a box office success, spawning two sequels and a spin-off series.


Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (2001)
Description: Lara Croft battles to prevent the Illuminati from obtaining two halves of an ancient artifact, the Triangle of Light, which could alter time.
Fact: Angelina Jolie performed many of her own stunts, including the famous bungee jump scene.


The Thomas Crown Affair (1999)
Description: A sophisticated art thief steals a priceless Monet painting, leading to a cat-and-mouse game with an insurance investigator, showcasing the allure of art as a relic.
Fact: The film features a famous chess game scene that was actually played by the actors.


The Scorpion King (2002)
Description: Although more action than crime, it involves the quest for an ancient relic that grants power, leading to battles and intrigue.
Fact: Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson's first starring role in a feature film.


National Treasure (2004)
Description: A treasure hunt for the legendary Templar treasure leads to a series of clues hidden in historical documents and landmarks, making it a thrilling adventure with a criminal twist.
Fact: The film features real historical documents like the Declaration of Independence, which plays a key role in the plot.


The Da Vinci Code (2006)
Description: This film follows symbologist Robert Langdon as he unravels a mystery involving the Holy Grail, hidden within Leonardo da Vinci's works. It's a perfect blend of crime, history, and ancient relics.
Fact: The film was shot on location in Paris and London, and it includes scenes filmed at the Louvre Museum.


The Monuments Men (2014)
Description: Based on a true story, this film follows a group of art historians and museum curators who recover art stolen by Nazis, combining crime with the preservation of cultural relics.
Fact: The film was inspired by the book "The Monuments Men: Allied Heroes, Nazi Thieves, and the Greatest Treasure Hunt in History."


The Lost City of Gold (1987)
Description: An adventure film where the protagonists seek the legendary city of gold, El Dorado, involving theft, deception, and ancient relics.
Fact: This film is a sequel to "Romancing the Stone" and features many of the same characters.
