11 Best Movies Like National Treasure

As a dedicated gamer, I can’t help but feel that the 2004 blockbuster “National Treasure,” starring the legendary Nicolas Cage, hinted at an endless array of thrilling escapades waiting for Ben Gates and his comrades to uncover. Who knows what hidden treasures are concealed beneath famous American and global landmarks? However, if you’re yearning for additional adventures within this franchise, I regret to inform you that your wishes may have been prematurely dashed. Only a single sequel was ever created, and since then, the gaming community has only heard disappointing rumors about “National Treasure 3” over the past two decades. It seems that this exhilarating movie saga will remain confined to just two installments.

Even though new installments of the “National Treasure” series might not be in production right now, fans of the franchise don’t have to despair if they yearn for more movies with a similar style. In reality, there are 11 films that serve as excellent sequels or complements to “National Treasure.” Some of these films employ modern filmmaking techniques and resources in creating retro-adventure stories, while others involve key personnel from the “National Treasure” team, such as director Jon Turteltaub. Additionally, there are period pieces packed with unexpected twists and action that mirror the contemporary setting of the “National Treasure” films by contrasting modern thrills against ancient backdrops. So, while we may not get another “National Treasure” film featuring Ben Gates, these 11 movies can offer an entertaining experience similar to this cherished treasure-hunting saga.

Raiders of the Lost Ark

For fans of “National Treasure,” the next logical film to watch is the 1981 adventure, “Raiders of the Lost Ark,” which arguably laid the foundation for the Nicolas Cage movie. Similar to Ben Gates, Indiana Jones (played by Harrison Ford) traverses various locations, even famous landmarks, and unearths remarkable treasures. While he’s being chased by villains and questionable allies who are all vying for those priceless artifacts, the plot closely resembles that of “National Treasure.” In essence, “National Treasure” followed the template set by “Raiders of the Lost Ark.

In a lively link between these elements, it can be noted that “Raiders” and “Treasure” both kick off at full speed. Neither of them dwells on elaborate backstories for their main characters; instead, they focus on providing an exciting treasure-hunting experience without the need for lengthy expositions or recaps. If you’re looking for another action-packed blockbuster that knows how to keep things streamlined and impactful, then “Raiders of the Lost Ark” is perfect. This Steven Spielberg-directed film is exceptional no matter your preferences, but if you’re a “National Treasure” enthusiast or not, “Raiders” is a must-see from start to finish.

The Mask of Zorro

1998’s “The Mask of Zorro” is an exhilarating spectacle that captures the essence of old-school charm and promises to leave a lasting impression on viewers, regardless of their familiarity with Zorro. Directed by Martin Campbell, a steady craftsman in action films, this production shines through its authentic set pieces and thrilling stunts. The performances from stars like Antonio Banderas and Anthony Hopkins are nothing short of impressive, particularly Hopkins who immerses himself deeply into the role of Banderas’ mentor. Contrary to assumptions, the “Silence of the Lambs” veteran doesn’t phone it in for “Zorro.” Instead, he delivers a stellar performance that serves as a testament to the film’s ability to surpass even the lowest expectations.

In a delightful twist, “The Mask of Zorro” shares a similarity with “National Treasure,” as both films avoid using irony and instead immerse themselves wholeheartedly in their stories. Just like the latter blockbuster from Disney doesn’t hesitate or feel the need to explain away lines such as “I’m going to steal the Declaration of Independence,” “The Mask of Zorro” unapologetically revels in the over-the-top charm of its Zorro character, without slipping into self-parody or witty sarcasm.

Just like “National Treasure” provided a refreshing change from the numerous intense action movies popular in the 2000s, “The Mask of Zorro” was a delightful alternative to ’90s blockbusters attempting to demonstrate their cool factor. Timeless excitement is exactly what both films embody. In essence, they’re both examples of classic thrills that never grow old.

Sherlock Holmes

Over the past ten years, Guy Ritchie’s films haven’t quite hit the mark, ranging from the questionable reboot of King Arthur (“King Arthur: Legend of the Sword”) to the unremarkable Disney adaptation of “Aladdin” and his 2023 effort that seems like a return to his early work, “Operation Fortune: Ruse de Guerre.” Yet, the influence of his 2009 hit “Sherlock Holmes,” starring Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law, is still so strong that many are attempting to replicate its success in today’s cinema.

As a game enthusiast, I found myself drawn into the captivating world of “Sherlock Holmes,” a throwback adventure that beautifully encapsulates the charm of a bygone era. This series, much like the escapades of “National Treasure’s” Ben Gates and his crew, revolves around uncovering the subtlest clues hidden in plain sight. The allure of both stories lies in the tantalizing possibility that the ordinary pavement I walk on daily could hold a secret map or clue to an epic adventure that alters my life forever.

In both instances, there are captivating leading roles that add to the overall enjoyment of the story. Just as Nicholas Cage embodies the essence of “National Treasure,” Robert Downey Jr. brings an offbeat charm to “Sherlock Holmes” that is not present in his portrayal in “Dolittle.” While Downey’s eccentricities can sometimes be annoying, they work well and are enjoyable in “Sherlock Holmes.” Similarly to how Cage and his idiosyncrasies fit perfectly with the theme of “National Treasure,” Robert Downey Jr.’s talents were showcased within the classic style of Guy Ritchie’s masterpiece, “Sherlock Holmes.

The Mummy (1999)

1999’s “The Mummy” served as a stand-in for the adventure of “Indiana Jones” when it was absent, keeping its spirit alive. In an innovative move, Universal Pictures and director Stephen Sommers chose not to remake the 1930s horror film shot by shot but instead took a drastically different approach. This transformed the movie into a treasure-hunting tale with librarians boasting strong personalities, shifting focus from sheer fear towards exciting audiences. However, it still contained some scary elements. The final product was an endlessly enjoyable film that, like “National Treasure,” demonstrated how drawing on past lessons can result in exceptionally entertaining cinema.

As a gamer, I’d say: Back in the day, Brendan Fraser’s “The Mummy” was a game-changer. It had this raw, authentic vibe that captured the world’s attention, no doubt about it. This movie didn’t shy away from its roots in classic cinema or its mission to serve up some good, old-fashioned popcorn fun. The performances by Fraser and Rachel Weisz were as real as they come, leaving audiences begging for more. Plus, much like how “National Treasure” filled the void left by “Indiana Jones” in 2004, “The Mummy” stepped up to fill an adventure-loving gap in the late ’90s market. It scratched that itch for fans of old-school adventure movies back then, and even today, it’s still a powerful punch in the arm with so many similar movies out there.

Cool Runnings

Prior to directing “National Treasure,” Jon Turteltaub was at the helm of one of Disney’s most cherished inspirational sports movies, released in 1993 titled “Cool Runnings.” The movie narrated the tale of four Jamaican bobsledders who aspired to defy the odds and compete in the Winter Olympics with the assistance of a once-successful coach named Irving Blitzer, portrayed by John Candy. It’s an inspiring underdog story, brimming with humor and heart, due to the genuine dedication of the four leads (Leon Robinson, Malik Yoba, Doug E. Doug, and Rawle D. Lewis) towards their unusual objective.

At first glance, it might seem that “National Treasure” and “Cool Runnings” have little in common apart from the Disney logo and director Jon Turteltaub’s name. However, both movies excel in providing crowd-pleasing entertainment, meeting viewer expectations perfectly. Moreover, Turteltaub skillfully creates environments where actors can showcase their talents. For instance, Nicolas Cage shines as Ben Gates, just as John Candy does in the lovable Irving Blitzer role. Interestingly, “Cool Runnings” holds up better than many later Disney sports movies, particularly those released directly on streaming platforms, when it comes to cinematography and heartwarming moments. It turns out that “National Treasure” isn’t the only successful film in Turteltaub’s Disney career.

Sahara

The flop at the box office for the movie “Sahara” might be attributable to poor timing. Released on April 8, 2005, it came out mere five months after “National Treasure,” a film with an enormous budget and immense popularity. Following the success of the globe-trotting adventure story about Ben Gates, it was challenging for “Sahara” to draw in audiences who had already experienced their quota of similar films. Consequently, “Sahara” faded away without making a significant impact, leading to Matthew McConaughey not reprising his role as Dirk Pitt in future adaptations of Clive Cussler’s novels.

Initially unsuccessful in 2005, the film “Sahara” has gained a following among some viewers over time. Despite being considered a rehash of “National Treasure” and “Indiana Jones” in 2005 and failing to make a significant financial impact, its appeal has become more noticeable in the 2020s when adventure movies like this are less common.

As a fan, I can’t help but appreciate the charming camaraderie between actors like McConaughey and Steve Zahn in their films. Just like “National Treasure,” “Sahara” boasts some impressive practical effects and sets that truly shine amidst today’s blockbuster landscape filled with deepfakes and digital backdrops. What makes “Sahara” even more appealing is its rarity, as it’s not overburdened by sequels or other Cussler adaptations, which has allowed it to endure for over two decades. In essence, “Sahara” was a nostalgic throwback from the mid-2000s that hit the spot for those who love adventure movies.

John Carter

Eight years following the success of “National Treasure,” one of Disney’s most significant hits in the 21st century, came the box office disaster known as “John Carter.” This film, a costly adaptation of sci-fi novels from the 1910s, was not only a financial catastrophe for Disney but also for any studio involved. The reasons behind its poor performance were numerous rather than due to one specific factor. However, despite being often associated with financial matters instead of artistic qualities, “John Carter” is actually a concealed gem directed by Andrew Stanton, who also helmed the acclaimed film “WALL-E.” For those seeking something interesting to watch after “National Treasure,” “John Carter” makes an excellent choice.

In the same vein as how “National Treasure” redefined what one might expect from a Disney film with its intense gunfights and action scenes, “John Carter” also challenged the norms of Mouse House entertainment. Notably, both films captured the essence of classic adventure storytelling. To elaborate, “John Carter” is an interplanetary adventure filled with characters hopping across Mars, lovable creatures known as Woola, cunning shape-shifters, and other elements reminiscent of pulp science fiction novels.

The story unfolds as an expansive, engaging adventure, skillfully crafted and featuring standout performances from artists like Willem Dafoe. Lynn Collins makes a deep impression portraying Dejah Thoris, one of Disney’s least recognized princesses ever. Similar to “National Treasure,” “John Carter” successfully blends contemporary appeal with traditional charm. Unfortunately, it’s unfortunate that the audience didn’t join in on this captivating adventure.

The Adventures of Tintin

If you’re yearning for blends of classic adventurous cinema and contemporary filmmaking aesthetics, similar to “National Treasure,” then I recommend checking out the 2011 movie “The Adventures of Tintin.” This cinematic adaptation of the cherished Belgian comics marked director Steven Spielberg’s return to a movie realm he revolutionized with “Raiders of the Lost Ark” nearly three decades ago. In this instance, he employed motion-capture animation to film, allowing unlimited camera movement. The outcome is one of Spielberg’s visually grandest works, where the camera glides through action sequences involving moving multi-story homes or competing cranes. Despite the visual spectacle reminiscent of Errol Flynn’s era, it benefits from modern digital effects that could only be achieved in the 2010s.

It’s great that Steven Spielberg, similar to those responsible for “National Treasure,” understands the importance of not forcing trendy elements to overshadow character development. Characters like Tintin (Jamie Bell) and Captain Haddock (Andy Serkis), along with their companions, remain authentic, avoiding any attempts to make them seem “cool” or contemporary. Instead, their eccentric escapades in search of hidden treasure and ancient mysteries should be captivating enough for any cinema-goer. Even after many years in the industry, Spielberg’s Tintin work demonstrates that he hasn’t lost a bit of his enthusiasm or creativity when crafting an exciting adventure film.

Treasure Planet

In November 2004, “National Treasure” debuted in cinemas as an alternative to traditional holiday films, which paved the way for its box office triumph. Conversely, when Disney attempted to release another action-focused family movie two years prior, it sealed that film’s failure. “Treasure Planet,” now notorious for a convoluted history, was once Disney Animation’s greatest flop. However, in today’s world, it could thrive as simply captivating, escapist entertainment.

This creative endeavor by directors John Musker and Ron Clements offers a wealth of delightful moments that will undoubtedly have fans of action films bursting with excitement. It boasts a captivating visual style that seamlessly combines future-oriented elements with 19th-century architecture and clothing. The innovative blend of the worlds envisioned by Robert Louis Stevenson and George Lucas makes it truly remarkable.

The animated movie “Treasure Planet” stands out among adventure films from the past 50 years for its powerful emotional impact. A poignant scene, featuring the song “I’m Still Here (Jim’s Theme)”, showcases the inner struggles of our protagonist Jim Hawkins, played by Joseph Gordon-Levitt, and is a mini-masterpiece in itself. The deep bond between Hawkins and his father figure John Silver (portrayed by Brian Murray) is equally heartrending. Despite its contrasting financial success to “National Treasure”, “Treasure Planet” is no less artistically magnificent.

Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle

If you’re after a fun-filled family adventure movie similar to “National Treasure,” but with added humor, I’d recommend checking out “Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle.” This action-packed film features big names such as Dwayne Johnson, Jack Black, Karen Gillan, and Kevin Hart. They traverse crumbling temples, compete against hostile forces, and search for crucial artifacts that could alter the fate of the world. Unlike “National Treasure,” “Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle” introduces a lot more humor into the mix. Many jokes revolve around video game elements (like Rhys Darby’s character as an NPC) or pairing unconventional characters with popular comedians like Johnson and Black.

A less serious interpretation of the jungle action film “Welcome to the Jungle” is similar to how “National Treasure” showcases Nicolas Cage’s exceptional acting talents – it highlights the fun of letting an actor like Jack Black run wild with silliness, or capitalizing on Oslon Gillan’s physical comedy abilities. The subtleties that adults appreciate in “Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle” underscore the film’s wide appeal across age groups, a trait it shares proudly with “National Treasure.” Moreover, amidst all the outrageous scenes, “Welcome to the Jungle” maintains its connection to the adrenaline-pumping excitement that adventure films are known for.

The Rocketeer

15 years prior to “National Treasure,” Walt Disney Pictures released another action-packed, retro film titled “The Rocketeer.” However, while “National Treasure” was a blockbuster success, “The Rocketeer” unfortunately did not fare well at the box office. The movie is based on the 1982 comic book character created by Dave Stevens and is set in the 1930s. In the story, stunt pilot Cliff Secord (played by Billy Campbell) dons a jetpack and transforms into the titular hero. As a high-tech crime fighter, Cliff Secord is particularly relevant in this nostalgic depiction of Los Angeles, as the villainous Neville Sinclair (Timothy Dalton), along with the Nazis, conspire to carry out a series of malicious acts.

The primary cause “The Rocketeer” didn’t receive a sequel is regrettably its poor performance at the box office, despite the fact that the movie had all the elements to spark numerous continuations due to the engaging universe it created. Director Joe Johnston skillfully presents an honest depiction of vintage superheroes in this delightful and irony-free film. “The Rocketeer” is filled with genuine touches, along with attractive costumes and sets that recreate 1938 Los Angeles. The performances from actors like Dalton, Alan Arkin, and Jennifer Connelly are exceptional, while an animated propaganda short by future “The Emperor’s New Groove” director Mark Dindal adds to the film’s distinctive artistic decisions.

Since Disney shifted focus to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, “The Rocketeer” has become less prominent in popular culture. However, this is unfortunate as, similar to “National Treasure,” it stands out as an exceptional example within Disney’s collection of live-action productions.

2025-04-06 19:32