There's something inherently thrilling about ancient manuscripts. They hold secrets, power, and often, a touch of the supernatural. This curated list of 10 thriller films delves into the world of ancient texts, where each page turn could lead to danger, discovery, or both. Whether it's a race against time to decipher a code or a quest to uncover hidden truths, these films offer a captivating journey through history, mystery, and suspense.

The Name of the Rose (1986)
Description: A monk investigates a series of murders at a 14th-century Italian abbey, uncovering a secret library and a manuscript that holds the key to the mystery.
Fact: The film was based on Umberto Eco's novel, which was inspired by real medieval manuscripts and historical events.


The Relic (1997)
Description: A museum curator uncovers a strange artifact from an Amazonian expedition, which leads to a series of gruesome murders linked to an ancient manuscript.
Fact: The film was based on the novel by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child, which was inspired by real-life museum practices.


The Mummy (1999)
Description: An ancient curse is unleashed when an adventurer reads from the Book of the Dead, awakening a mummy with a quest for immortality.
Fact: The film was inspired by the 1932 film of the same name, but it takes a more action-adventure approach.


The Ninth Gate (1999)
Description: A rare book dealer is hired to authenticate a 17th-century book that supposedly holds the key to summoning the Devil, leading him into a world of occult and danger.
Fact: The film features real-life occultist Aleister Crowley's works and symbols, adding authenticity to the plot.


National Treasure (2004)
Description: A treasure hunter uses clues from historical documents, including the Declaration of Independence, to find a legendary treasure hidden by the Founding Fathers.
Fact: The film's plot was inspired by real-life treasure hunters who believed in the existence of a treasure hidden by the Knights Templar.


The Da Vinci Code (2006)
Description: This film follows symbologist Robert Langdon as he deciphers clues hidden in Leonardo da Vinci's works to uncover a secret society and a long-lost manuscript that could shake the foundations of Christianity.
Fact: The film was shot on location in Paris and London, and the Louvre Museum allowed filming inside for the first time in its history.


The Skeleton Key (2005)
Description: A hospice nurse discovers a mysterious key and a book of spells in an old Louisiana mansion, leading her into a world of voodoo and dark secrets.
Fact: The film was shot in New Orleans, and the mansion used in the movie is known as the Felicity Plantation.


The Librarian: Quest for the Spear (2004)
Description: A young man becomes the librarian of a secret collection of historical artifacts, including ancient manuscripts, and must retrieve a powerful spear to prevent its misuse.
Fact: The film spawned a successful TV movie franchise, with sequels exploring different historical artifacts and mysteries.


The Book of Eli (2010)
Description: In a post-apocalyptic world, a lone wanderer carries a mysterious book that could save humanity, but he must protect it from those who would use it for evil.
Fact: The book in the film is never explicitly named, but it's heavily implied to be the Bible.


The Lost City of Z (2016)
Description: An explorer searches for a lost ancient city in the Amazon, using clues from ancient manuscripts and indigenous knowledge.
Fact: The film is based on the true story of British explorer Percy Fawcett, who disappeared while searching for the city in
