It’s a drizzly Saturday afternoon and you’ve got the house to yourself and a TV remote in hand.
But what will you watch?
You’ve seen all the latest releases. The superheroes have lost their luster. And you just aren’t in the mood for a horror flick.
Maybe a 3-hour drama taking you through the life and loss of an American president?
No thanks.
If you’re like me, you appreciate the value of a movie that gives it all to you. Some action and intrigue. A mystery with comedy. Heck, might as well throw in a little romance while we’re at it.
You need a treasure hunting movie.
Best Treasure Hunting Movies
A great treasure hunting movie lets you escape into a world of pure excitement. You can slip into the background of the main characters and follow along leisurely.
You don’t have to think too hard, but you’re still experiencing the mystery and cleverness that the twists and turns a treasure map gives you.
Whether your main characters are a rough and tumble group of kids or an older and wizened treasure pro, the power of their story is in the treasure.
What are they looking for? Why is it so important to them?
The answers to these questions will take you on an adventure, and that’s what we’re really after anyway.
So sit back, relax, and enjoy my list of the best treasure hunting movies.
10 Best Treasure Hunting Movies to Watch on a Rainy Day
A little side note about my list of movies before you continue.
There are movies that won’t be on this list that are deserving and have a special place in history. But this is MY list.
This is a list of movies I could watch several times over and love each time it’s on. And I think you may feel the same.
For some extra goodies, keep reading after my top 10 (in no particular order) to read about the 8 treasure hunting movies that just missed the cut.
So let’s do this!
Indiana Jones and The Last Crusade (1989)
Indiana Jones and The Last Crusade is the third installment of the Indiana Jones series.
It follows Indy as he searches for his father, played by Sean Connery, who had gone missing while trying to find the Holy Grail.
Along the way, Indy meets new friends and foes, all while dodging danger at every turn. The movie is full of action, adventure, and laughs, making it the perfect treasure hunting movie to watch on a rainy day.
I mean, what’s not to love about this movie?
Indiana Jones is the epitome of a treasure hunter. He’s cunning, brave, and always manages to find the treasure he’s looking for (usually).
The Last Crusade is my personal favorite of the Indiana Jones movies because you get to see a new element of his personality. A son trying to live up to his father’s expectations.
Plus, Indy is the hero that fights for his ideals, and can pack a mean punch, but isn’t too perfect. This makes him more real and relatable.
Between fighting Nazis and solving the puzzles of the Knights Templar, you’ll be at the edge of your seat waiting to see what happens next.
And if you have seen it (I can’t imagine how you couldn’t), you know as well as I do what you’re in for.
National Treasure (2004)
National Treasure is about a man, Benjamin Franklin Gates (Nicholas Cage), who sets across the globe, determined to find the treasure his ancestors have searched for since the Revolutionary War.
The collection of gold and ancient artifacts spanning centuries is rumored to be worth billions.
But Ben Gates only cares about protecting the history of the founding fathers and validating the truth that his family has believed all along.
The only problem?
He has to beat his former team to the treasure. And they don’t have any problem doing whatever it takes to win.
Like a modern-day Sherlock Holmes, Gates relies on his wits and uncanny historical recollection to save the day. Even if that means breaking a few federal laws to do it.
Whew!
Come on, you can’t tell me that doesn’t sound like fun?
You’ll love this movie. It’s lighthearted, fast, and super fun.
The history that’s covered in each scene is incredibly interesting and has you biting your nails at each hidden clue and boobie trap.
I’ve seen a lot of flops by Nicholas Cage, but this isn’t one of them. Trust me on this.
Settle in on the couch and get your bowl of popcorn ready. You won’t be disappointed.
Sahara (2005)
If you’re in the mood for a thrilling treasure hunting movie with a lot of action, then Sahara is a perfect choice.
Starring Matthew McConaughey and Penelope Cruz, this movie is full of adventure, mystery, and excitement.
When Dirk Pitt (McConaughey) and his team set out to find a lost Civil War battleship, they have no idea what they’re about to get themselves into.
The ship is believed to be carrying a treasure that could change the course of history.
But as Dirk and his team get closer to finding the ship, they realize that they’re not the only ones looking for it.
And they’ll have to fight for their lives to get to it first.
Sahara is a perfect treasure hunting movie to get lost in. It’s exciting, full of adventure, and has a bit of romance thrown in.
Plus, who doesn’t love Matthew McConaughey? He’s the perfect leading man for this type of movie.
Like the previous movie, National Treasure, you get some great historical storytelling.
Even if it is outlandish and some of the action seems a little over the top, you won’t think it’s boring.
Just imagine a cross between Jack Reacher and Indiana Jones, with that country drawl.
This is the perfect movie for those who love a chase in-between their gun fights.
Fool’s Gold (2008)
Another treasure hunting Matthew McConaughey, you say?
Don’t get it confused. This isn’t a copycat movie of Sahara.
While Fool’s Gold is still fun and full of adventure, you also get some romance and your fill of comedy.
Starring Matthew McConaughey and Kate Hudson, this movie is a great choice to watch with your significant other.
Finn and Tess (McConaughey and Hudson) are forced back together after their recent divorce (like a few hours ago). The treasure they spent their marriage looking for has finally offered up a fresh clue.
While Tess is resistant to go along and fall for the charms of her ex-husband, that won’t stop her rich boss Nigel, who owns the yacht they’re on, from agreeing to seek out adventure with Finn as their guide.
While running from his former investor (and gangster rapper) Big Bunny, Finn does everything he can to keep the ship afloat, keep up his con, and win Tess’ heart back.
You love a happy ending, don’t you? This lighthearted rom-com will be sure to brighten up the day.
So what are you waiting for?
The Goonies (1985)
Goonies never say die!
This cult classic is perfect for a rainy day.
A group of kids from the Goon Docks neighborhood in Astoria, Oregon go on an adventure to find treasure so they can save their homes from being demolished by developers.
The Goonies are led by Mikey Walsh (Sean Astin) and his older brother Brand (Josh Brolin).
The treasure is supposedly hidden by the long-lost pirate One-Eyed Willy.
During their search, they are hindered by a group of criminals called the Fratellis. Hiding out in a rundown restaurant, the Fratellis discover the Goonies are looking for treasure.
This sends them on a race to find it first. Along the way, they encounter booby traps, underground tunnels, and dangerous criminals.
But nothing can stop these Goonies!
This movie is perfect for kids and adults alike. It’s full of adventure, treasure, and suspense. Plus, it has a great message about working together and never giving up.
The cast of characters will have you laughing for days. Their quirky and lovable personalities make this movie a treasure in itself.
So what are you waiting for? Go watch it!
Romancing the Stone (1984)
You’ll love this romance-inspired treasure hunt.
Starring a young Michael Douglas, Kathleen Turner, and Danny DeVito; this movie is a must-watch.
Joan Wilder (Turner) is a romance novelist who gets caught up in a real-life treasure hunt when her sister is kidnapped.
She receives a treasure map on the way to meet her editor in New York City. At the same time, her apartment is turned upside down, and her sister is kidnapped by smugglers in Columbia.
In exchange for the treasure map, Joan will get her sister back.
She teams up with Jack T. Colton (Douglas), a bird smuggler with a mercenary background, to find the treasure and save her sister.
But the smugglers are hot on their trail. With danger lurking around every corner, Joan and Jack must rely on each other to find the treasure and make it out alive.
This movie is full of adventure, suspense, and romance.
Michael Douglas and Kathleen Turner have great chemistry, and their characters are full of life.
If you’re looking for a treasure hunting movie with a little bit of everything, Romancing the Stone is a perfect choice.
Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003)
![Pirates of the Caribbean - The Curse of the Black Pearl [DVD] [2003] [Region 1] [US Import] [NTSC]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/513lBcl+ZdL._SY445_.jpg)
Pirates, curses, gold, and Johnny Depp.
You shouldn’t be surprised that this one made it in the top 10.
Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl is a treasure hunting movie with a bit of a twist.
It’s set in the early 1700s during the age of pirates.
Captain Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp) is a pirate who’s been double-crossed by his former first mate, Captain Barbossa.
Barbossa and his crew of pirates have stolen Sparrow’s ship, the Black Pearl, and taken his treasure prized treasure of Spanish gold.
But this gold is cursed.
To end the curse, they need something they don’t have.
Enter Will Turner (Orlando Bloom) and Elizabeth Swan (Kiera Knightly).
I won’t give the whole story away. But this cast of characters has chemistry and comedic timing.
There’s no shortage of daring swordplay or romantic longing (if that’s what you’re looking for).
Either way, Pirates is a thrilling adventure across the seas. And a great opener to an even better movie series.
You’ll love it so much, you won’t be able to wait to watch the next one.
Holes (2003)
Are you looking for a movie for the whole family?
It’s gotta have some excitement, a good plot, and a clear message.
Look no further than Holes, starring Shia LaBeouf.
This treasure hunting movie is based on the book by Louis Sachar.
It follows the story of Stanley Yelnats (LaBeouf), a boy who’s been wrongly accused of stealing and sent to a juvenile detention center in Texas due to a family curse of bad luck.
There, he and the other boys are made to dig holes in the middle of the desert.
But there’s more to the story than just digging holes.
This treasure hunting movie is about family, friendships, and finding your way in life.
You’ll get a dose of destiny and gypsies as learn the reason for the holes and how each main character is connected through their ancestors.
I highly recommend this one, especially if you’re looking for a feel-good treasure hunting movie.
Your kids will love Holes. You’ll love Holes.
I don’t know anyone who has seen it that didn’t enjoy this Disney flick.
Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)
What? Another Indiana Jones movie?
You bet!
This is the first in the Indiana Jones series and Harrison Ford portrays the daytime teacher and weekend archaeologist.
In Raiders of the Lost Ark, Jones is an archaeologist who’s on a mission to find the Ark of the Covenant before the Nazis do.
The Ark is said to have biblical power and whoever possesses it will be invincible.
So, of course, the Nazis want it.
Follow Indy as he outsmarts his enemies, survives impossible traps, and plain old dumb luck to find the treasure first.
From Nepal to Cairo to the Aegean Sea, you’ll see plenty of action and learn a little bit of history.
And snakes. Did I say there’d be snakes?
This treasure hunting movie is full of mystery, suspense, and a little bit of romance.
And it’s one of the best movies ever made, not just in the treasure hunting genre.
You can’t go wrong with this one, I promise.
City Slickers II: The Legend of Curly’s Gold (1994)
For the last spot on the list, I’ve got a treat for you.
You may be surprised and wondering how City Slickers II: The Legend of Curly’s Gold made the list over other classics. But remember, this is my list.
And City Slickers is a downright classic treasure hunting movie.
Starring the comedic geniuses Billy Crystal, Daniel Stern, and Jon Lovitz, this treasure hunting movie is a sequel to the original City Slickers (another great choice actually).
In this one, the three treasure hunters are in search of Curly’s (Jack Palance) lost treasure in the Old West.
But let’s back up.
Curly died a year earlier and Mitch Robbins (Crystal) is starting to think he’s seeing ghosts.
When Mitch discovers a treasure map hidden in Curly’s hat, he and his friends pack up for another adventure out west.
What follows is one of the funniest treasure hunting movies you’ll ever see.
Everything from rattlesnakes to thieving locals, stampedes, and long-lost identical twin brothers find their way in the path of Curly’s treasure.
Do they get the gold they’re looking for?
You’ll have to watch to find out.
Do yourself a favor and pick this movie up. You’ll laugh all the way through the rain-soaked day.
8 Treasure Hunting Movies That Just Missed the Cut
Ok, I only listed the 10 best treasure hunting movies above. But there are so many more out there deserving of recognition.
So why not mention a few more to consider?
And sorry to those of you who were expecting to see The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly or some other classic film that I didn’t list.
It all comes down to personal preference.
Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (2000)
First up, Lara Croft: Tomb Raider.
Based on the popular video game series, this treasure hunting movie stars Angelina Jolie as the title character.
Lara Croft is an English aristocrat and tomb raider who travels the world in search of lost artifacts and treasure.
In this movie, she’s on the hunt for a powerful artifact that gives its owner the power to control time.
Of course, she’s not the only one after it.
The Illuminati, a secret society, is also in search of the artifact.
Lara is a top-notch puzzle solver, combat expert, and tough-as-nails heroine.
Pass the time in the rain as the Tomb Raider fights off villains, jumps across the world, and races against time to find the Triangle of Light and save her friends.
While the premise is a bit hard to swallow, it’s a fair ode to the video game it’s based on.
So if you’re a fan of treasure hunting movies with a strong female lead, then this is the movie for you.
O Brother, Where Art Thou? (2000)
Next on the list is O Brother, Where Art Thou?
This treasure hunting movie was directed by the Coen brothers and stars George Clooney as Ulysses Everett McGill.
He’s a convicted bank robber who escapes from a chain gang in 1930s Mississippi with his fellow prisoners in search of buried treasure.
While the treasure they’re after is worth 1.2 million dollars, it’s buried at the bottom of a lake.
The ensuing treasure hunting journey they go on is epic.
The movie is funny, heartwarming, and exciting all at the same time.
Plus, the music is fantastic!
These slippery and lovable convicts find their way in and out of trouble with each passing minute.
Stumbling upon a Ku Klux Klan rally and recording a hit song as the Soggy Bottom Boys is just the tip of the iceberg for these fellers.
So if you’re looking for a treasure hunting movie that will make you laugh and feel good, then this one is for you.
The Rundown (2003)
The Rundown is a treasure hunting movie starring Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson as Beck, a retrieval expert.
He’s sent to the Amazon to find his boss’s son, Travis Walker (Seann William Scott), who has gone missing while searching for a priceless artifact.
Travis is not only after the treasure, but he’s also on the run from a ruthless treasure hunter named Hatcher (Christopher Walken).
Beck finds himself in the middle of a treasure hunt, running from Hatcher and his men, and trying to find Travis before it’s too late.
The Rundown is an action-packed treasure hunting movie with plenty of laughs and thrills.
Plus, who doesn’t love The Rock?
If you’re looking for a treasure hunting movie that will keep you on the edge of your seat, then The Rundown is your jam.
The Da Vinci Code (2006)
If you’re looking for a treasure hunting movie with a bit of mystery and suspense, then The Da Vinci Code is the perfect film for you.
Based on the best-selling novel by Dan Brown, the movie follows symbologist Robert Langdon (Tom Hanks) as he tries to solve a murder mystery and follow the clues leading to the Holy Grail.
If you’re looking for a treasure hunting movie with a bit of mystery and suspense, then The Da Vinci Code is the perfect film for you.
Based on the best-selling novel by Dan Brown, the movie follows symbologist Robert Langdon (Tom Hanks) as he tries to solve a murder mystery and follow the clues leading to the Holy Grail.
With the help of cryptologist Sophie Neveu (Audrey Tautou), Langdon must decipher a series of puzzles to find the killer and prevent a global catastrophe.
The Da Vinci Code is packed with action, suspense, and mystery.
It’s a treasure hunting movie that will keep you guessing until the very end.
Unfortunately, this isn’t Tom Hanks’ best movie.
I may be biased as the Da Vinci Code book was so thrilling, that I want to love the movie too.
It’s a great thrill ride of a flick but falls short of the suspense that the book gave me.
Still, it is one of the better treasure hunt movies out there.
The Count of Monte Cristo (2002)
I love The Count of Mounty Cristo!
Both the book and movie were excellent.
The treasure in this story is two-fold.
First, there is the treasure of revenge that Edmund Dantes (Jim Caviezel) seeks against those who have betrayed him.
Second, there is the treasure of love that he finds with Mercedes (Dagmara Dominczyk).
The Count of Monte Cristo is a thrilling treasure hunting movie with plenty of action, suspense, and romance.
The only reason it’s not in the top ten is that the treasure is more of a secondary part of the story.
Revenge is the real meat on this bone.
Still, if you love a good treasure hunt and don’t mind a more slow-burn type of movie then this one is for you.
Plus, it stars the always excellent Jim Caviezel and Guy Pearce.
The Hobbit: The Desolation Of Smaug (2013)
![The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug [DVD] [2013]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/91ePCOPuxTL._SL1500_.jpg)
The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug is the second movie in Peter Jackson’s Hobbit trilogy.
And it’s by far the best of the three.
The treasure in this movie is, of course, the dragon Smaug’s treasure hoard.
But more importantly, it’s the treasure of Bilbo Baggins’ (Martin Freeman) courage and self-respect.
The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug is an exciting treasure hunting movie with plenty of action, suspense, and comedy.
Plus, it has one of the best dragon scenes in all of the movies.
Be warned, watching this movie will definitely draw you into watching the whole series. Actually, you should probably watch the first Hobbit movie to understand the story more.
If you’re a fan of treasure hunts or dragons, then let yourself fall down the rabbit hole and into the world of Hobbits.
The Adventures of Tintin (2011)
The Adventures of Tintin is a treasure hunting movie based on the Belgian comic book series of the same name.
The treasure in this movie is the sunken ship The Unicorn and its treasure hoard.
But more importantly, it’s the treasure of friendship and adventure that Tintin (Jamie Bell) and Captain Haddock (Andy Serkis) find with each other.
The Adventures of Tintin is an exciting treasure hunting movie with plenty of action, suspense, and comedy.
Plus, it has one of the best visual styles of any movie.
It’s like watching a comic book come to life.
But don’t get it confused. You won’t be watching a kid’s movie.
The Adventures of Tintin is fun, clever, and great for the whole family.
Journey to the Center of the Earth (2008)
Journey to the Center of the Earth is a treasure hunting movie based on a novel of the same name.
The treasure in this movie is, of course, the center of the earth.
But more importantly, it’s the treasure of adventure and discovery that Trevor (Brendan Fraser) and his nephew Sean (Josh Hutcherson) find with each other.
Journey to the Center of the Earth is a thrilling treasure hunting movie with plenty of action, suspense, and comedy.
Plus, it has some of the best special effects of any movie.
It’s like watching a real-life adventure.
The wonders that Trevor and Sean experience is nothing short of amazing. Finding underground oceans, long-lost dinosaurs, and escaping the increasing temperature of a hidden world is just a small part of the journey.
Needing a simple and fun story that makes you laugh? This journey is waiting for you.
That’s a Wrap!
So there it is!
My list of the best treasure hunting movies.
It may not be perfect but I’d be up for popcorn and a movie any day with these picks.
Do you agree with my list? What would you add or take away?
If you’re interested in finding your own treasure and being a part of an adventure, pop on over to my guide on the best metal detectors for treasure hunting.
Who says you can’t be a part of the action too?
