Top 10 Thrilling Museum Movies

Description: While not directly about a museum, this classic thriller involves a subway heist with a museum-like atmosphere due to its meticulous planning and execution, making it a fitting inclusion.

Fact: The film's title refers to the train's departure time, which was 1:23 PM.

Description: This film follows the journey of a red violin through different owners over centuries, with a significant portion set in a museum. The mystery surrounding the violin's history and its final resting place adds to the suspense.

Fact: The film won the Academy Award for Best Original Score, composed by John Corigliano.

Description: An insurance investigator and an art thief engage in a game of cat and mouse, with a heist at the Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur serving as the centerpiece. The film's plot revolves around art theft, making it a thrilling addition to this list.

Fact: The film was one of the first to be allowed to shoot inside the Petronas Towers, which were then the tallest buildings in the world.

Description: This stylish remake of the 1968 classic features a billionaire who orchestrates an art heist at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The film's cat-and-mouse game between the thief and the insurance investigator adds layers of sophistication and tension, making it a perfect fit for this list.

Fact: The film was shot on location at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the heist scene was meticulously planned to avoid damaging any real art.

Description: Based on Dan Brown's best-selling novel, this film follows a symbologist as he unravels a mystery involving the Louvre Museum. The film's intricate plot, involving art, history, and secret societies, makes it a thrilling addition to this list.

Fact: The film was allowed to shoot inside the Louvre after hours, a rare privilege granted by the French government.

Description: While not a traditional thriller, this family-friendly film involves a night guard at the American Museum of Natural History where exhibits come to life. The chaos and adventure that ensue make for a thrilling experience, albeit with a comedic twist.

Fact: The film was inspired by a real-life event where a security guard at the museum claimed to have seen exhibits moving at night.

Description: While not exclusively set in a museum, the film involves a political thriller where a ghostwriter uncovers secrets while working on the memoirs of a former British Prime Minister, with scenes set in a museum-like environment.

Fact: The film was directed by Roman Polanski, who won the Silver Bear for Best Director at the Berlin Film Festival.

Description: A master thief comes out of retirement to pull off one last heist, targeting a priceless book from a museum. The film's focus on art theft and the intricate planning involved makes it a thrilling watch.

Fact: The film was shot in various locations in Canada, standing in for Philadelphia and other U.S. cities.

Description: This film tells the true story of an unlikely WWII platoon tasked with rescuing art masterpieces from Nazi thieves. While not a heist, the tension of racing against time to save cultural treasures fits the theme perfectly.

Fact: The film is based on the book by Robert M. Edsel, which details the real efforts of the Monuments, Fine Arts, and Archives program.

Description: Though not a traditional museum, the hotel in this film acts as a repository of art and culture, with a plot involving the theft of a priceless painting. The film's whimsical yet thrilling narrative makes it a unique addition.

Fact: The film features a painting by artist Michael Taylor, which was created specifically for the movie.