10 Movies & Shows Similar to The Da Vinci Code (2006)

Description: Set in a medieval monastery, this film involves a series of murders tied to a forbidden book, much like the historical and religious mysteries in The Da Vinci Code. Its intellectual detective work and historical setting appeal to fans of cryptic, lore-heavy narratives.

Fact: Stars Sean Connery as the Franciscan monk William of Baskerville. Based on the novel by Umberto Eco. The film won a BAFTA for Best Actor (Sean Connery).

Description: This adventure film shares The Da Vinci Code's themes of religious artifacts and historical conspiracies. Indiana Jones' quest for the Holy Grail parallels Langdon's search, blending action, history, and mythology in a similar way.

Fact: Harrison Ford reprises his role as Indiana Jones. Sean Connery plays Indy's father. The film was a critical and commercial success, earning over $474 million worldwide.

Description: This film shares The Da Vinci Code's obsession with ancient books and hidden knowledge. It follows a rare book dealer who uncovers a sinister conspiracy tied to a demonic text. The atmospheric and mysterious tone, along with its intellectual puzzle-solving, makes it a good match.

Fact: Directed by Roman Polanski. Stars Johnny Depp as the protagonist. The film is based on the novel The Club Dumas by Arturo Pérez-Reverte.

Description: While not a thriller, this film deals with the dark side of religious institutions, a theme touched upon in The Da Vinci Code. Its critical look at the Catholic Church's history resonates with the conspiracy elements in Langdon's adventures.

Fact: Won the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival. Based on the true stories of women in Magdalene Asylums. The film was controversial for its portrayal of the Catholic Church.

Description: Like The Da Vinci Code, this film revolves around historical mysteries, hidden clues, and a treasure hunt. It combines action, adventure, and intellectual puzzles, appealing to fans of cryptic storytelling and historical conspiracies. The protagonist's quest for a hidden treasure mirrors Langdon's search for the Holy Grail.

Fact: Nicolas Cage stars as the lead, Benjamin Franklin Gates. The film was inspired by real-life treasure hunts and historical myths. It spawned a sequel, National Treasure: Book of Secrets.

Description: This TV movie combines adventure, history, and mythology, much like The Da Vinci Code. The protagonist, a librarian, is tasked with protecting ancient artifacts, mirroring Langdon's role as a symbologist uncovering hidden truths.

Fact: Stars Noah Wyle as the lead. Spawned two sequels and a TV series, The Librarians. The film blends fantasy elements with historical artifacts.

Description: This film is a direct sequel to The Da Vinci Code, featuring the same protagonist, Robert Langdon, and is based on another Dan Brown novel. It shares the same themes of religious conspiracy, symbology, and high-stakes adventure. The storytelling style and visual aesthetics are nearly identical, with a mix of historical intrigue and modern-day thriller elements.

Fact: Tom Hanks reprises his role as Robert Langdon. The film was shot in Rome and the Vatican, adding to its authentic feel. It delves into the conflict between science and religion, a recurring theme in Dan Brown's works.

Description: This TV series is based on another Dan Brown novel featuring Robert Langdon, making it a spiritual successor to The Da Vinci Code. It explores Freemasonry and hidden symbols in Washington, D.C., continuing the theme of uncovering ancient secrets tied to modern institutions.

Fact: The series was originally planned as a film but was adapted for television. It stars Ashley Zukerman as a younger Robert Langdon. The story is set entirely in Washington, D.C., unlike the globetrotting adventures of the films.

Description: The third film in the Robert Langdon series, Inferno follows the same formula of solving historical and artistic puzzles to prevent a global catastrophe. The film's dark tone and focus on Dante's Inferno align with The Da Vinci Code's blend of art, history, and thriller elements.

Fact: Tom Hanks returns as Robert Langdon. The film was shot in multiple European locations, including Florence and Venice. It deals with themes of overpopulation and bio-terrorism.

Description: This documentary explores the mysteries of the Holy Grail and the Knights Templar, themes central to The Da Vinci Code. Its investigative approach and historical focus make it a compelling companion piece.

Fact: Directed by Richard Stanley. The film delves into the life of Otto Rahn, a Nazi Grail hunter. It combines historical footage with modern interviews.