30 Best Treasure Hunting Movies & TV Series, Ranked

Who can mistake the child-like appeal of movies like The Goonies and television shows like The Librarians where there are no limits as they go off in search of dazzling treasures worth more than money and adventures they’ll remember forever? With some buzz around a possible National Treasure 3 in development, treasure-hunting movies and series must be binged.

While the tropes of travel, history, mysteries, and artifacts stay the same, these treasure-hunting films and series include unique ways of telling each adventurous journey into the unknown. With some being adapted from movies and video games to original stories, these action-packed series and movies will get you in the mood for treasure-hunting! TV shows and movies about treasure hunting aren’t going out of style, with the very best ones capturing the thrill that comes with the search.

30. ‘Without a Paddle’ (2004)

Directed by Steven Brill

There’s something endearing about underrated early 2000s comedies, and Without a Paddle is a classic! After the death of a close childhood friend, Matthew Lillard, Seth Green, and Dax Shepard star as Jerry, Dan, and Tom decide to take the trip they dreamed of as children; to find DB Cooper’s Treasure.

A down-to-earth adventure film, Without a Paddle is a story about friendship and keeping the inner child alive. The mix of personalities from Seth Green’s paranoid doctor to Dax Shepherd’s compulsive liar makes for a perfect combination of ridiculous encounters, including Burt Reynolds, who has been isolated in a cabin since the ’70s.

29. ‘Mackenna’s Gold’ (1969)

Directed by J. Lee Thompson

Based on the novel of the same name, Mackenna’s Gold follows Mexican outlaw, John Colorado (Omar Sharif), who kidnaps US Marshal Sam Mackenna (Gregory Peck), believing that Mackenna has a treasure map of fabled gold hidden in the Cañon del Oro, which is guarded by Apache spirits. The rest of the ensemble cast features Telly Savalas, Ted Cassidy, Camilla Sparv, and Julie Newmar in leading roles.

A classic Hollywood Western, Mackenna’s Gold recounts how the lure of gold corrupted various people from all walks of life. The film is recognized for its visuals, sound effects, and effective use of Panavision. Even though it has been critiqued for its absurdity, Mackenna’s Gold is a fun and fast-paced treasure hunt film that effectively leans into its campiness. Despite its commercial failure in North America, the film garnered widespread popularity in international markets and became a major box office success in the Indian subcontinent. —Maddie P

28. ‘Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales’ (2017)

Directed by Joachim Rønning and Espen Sandberg

The fifth installment in the Pirates of the Caribbean film series, Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales, begins 13 years from At World’s End and follows the story of Henry Turner (Brenton Thwaites), Will Turner’s (Orlando Bloom) 12-year-old son, who lost his father to a curse on the Flying Dutchman, which can only be broken by the Trident of Poseidon. Henry recruits Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp), and together they embark on a perilous mission to retrieve the mythical trident, while dodging the raging seas and Jack’s old and undead nemesis, Captain Armando Salazar (Javier Bardem).

While Depp’s Jack Sparrow steals the screen with his witty humor and eccentricity, as always, it does not discount the fine performances by Javier Bardem and Kaya Scodelario. Despite its mixed reviews, the brilliant visual effects and a high-stakes, swashbuckling escapade make Dead Men Tell No Tales a fun and exciting watch for franchise fans. —Maddie P

27. ‘King Solomon’s Mines’ (1985)

Directed by J. Lee Thompson

One of many cinematic adaptations of the classic 1885 novel, King Solomon’s Mines transforms the classic adventure novel with a more comedic angle, deliberately parodying the success of the Indiana Jones series. The film follows acclaimed explorer Allan Quatermain (Richard Chamberlain) embarking on a journey with Jesse Huston (Sharon Stone) to help her locate her abducted archaeologist father, kidnapped for his extended knowledge of King Solomon’s mines. Allan and Jesse travel into the depths of Africa as they encounter various natives and dangerous creatures on their perilous journey.

While the film may not have aged as gracefully as the Indiana Jones films, the distinct parody angle of the classic treasure-hunting adventure makes for a lighthearted fun time filled with 80s charm. If you can look past the array of untimely caricatures that have left the film dated, the sublime practical effects and cartoonish style of the film is enough to make it a great complementary watch to a more standard treasure-hunting adventure.

26. ‘Dora and the Lost City of Gold’ (2019)

Directed by James Bobin

While the cutesy and colorful world of a preschooler’s animated series doesn’t initially seem like it would be the best fit for a treasure-hunting film, Dora and the Lost City of Gold is a pleasant surprise of comedy and adventure. The film follows the titular Dora, who after having spent the vast majority of her childhood roaming and exploring the jungle, finds herself in unfamiliar territory when forced to attend a normal high school. However, she and her new classmates find themselves kidnapped and sent to the jungle, as they are on a race to find the elusive city of Parapata.

Dora and the Lost City of Gold finds success not by attempting to directly adapt and cater to the younger audiences of the original preschool show, but instead by acting as a manic, irony-soaked comedy for jaded audiences loosely familiar with the series. The comedy of the film is top-notch, combining classic coming-of-age high school tropes with the premise and setting of an adventure film to make for a hilarious, while not entirely original, treasure-hunting experience.

25. ‘Uncharted’ (2022)

Directed by Ruben Fleischer

An adaption of a popular video game of the same name, Tom Holland and Mark Wahlberg headline this action-adventure film. Uncharted focuses on the origin of the classic treasure-hunting duo, Nathan Drake and Victor Sullivan, as they search for the fortune of Ferdinand Magellan.

Uncharted‘s charm in the lovable characters is brought to life with the mix of tuxedo parties and lost caverns in the jungle. It may not be among the best treasure hunt movies, but being the origin story of the two main characters in the games, this fun film is the perfect gateway into treasure-hunting films!

24. ‘Tomb Raider’ (2018)

Directed by Roar Uthaug

Alicia Vikander‘s Tomb Raider is a film that’s closer to the rebooted video game of the same name from 2013, which is a more gritty and realistic origin story. Lara Croft travels to Asia when she discovers her father’s last known destination when he is reported missing. Convinced he is still alive, she follows his footsteps in discovering a mystery surrounding the mythical Queen of Yamatai.

Following the Angelina Jolie Tomb Raider films of the early 2000s, Norwegian director Roar Uthaug took on the colossal task and delivered a suspenseful mystery and entertaining adventure full of twists and turns and packed with incredible stunts.

23. ‘Ready Player One’ (2018)

Directed by Steven Spielberg

Proving that treasure-hunting films don’t have to take place in the vast unexplored territories of nature to have a compelling adventure, Ready Player One takes its treasure-hunting escapades into an expansive future virtual world. The film takes place in a not-so-distant future where the vast majority of humanity spends their daily lives logged on a popular video game world that features limitless possibilities. When the creator of the game dies, he leaves behind clues to keys hidden within the game, with ownership of the game going to whoever can find all the keys.

While the constant creative expression and Easter eggs were a major selling point for Ready Player One, the treasure-hunting story and coming-of-age elements that Spielberg is famous for are what make the film work at its core. The film plays out like any other treasure-hunting movie would, with its heroes using various clues to explore vast locales and inching closer and closer to uncovering the location of the treasure, simply with a distinct sci-fi flair that is rarely seen in treasure-hunting movies.

22. ‘Jungle Cruise’ (2021)

Directed by Jaume Collet-Serra

Taking inspiration from Pirates of the Caribbean, Jungle Cruise attempts to adapt another one of Disney’s classic theme park attractions into its own wild adventure film, this time with a distinct flair for treasure hunting and exploration. The film follows Dr. Lily Houghton (Emily Blunt) who, while on an expedition through the Amazon, enlists the help of wisecracking boatman Frank Wolff (Dwayne Johnson) in a search for an ancient tree that could hold the answer to modern medicine.

While it’s easy to see Jungle Cruise as just a simple romp that banks on the success of the Pirates franchise, the film does a great job of paralleling the same type of excitement and fervor that made the initial entries so enthralling. Blunt and Johnson are a great charismatic duo that works wonders off of one another, and the action present throughout the film is endlessly captivating and exciting to watch unfold. The film is certainly worth checking out not just for treasure-hunting fanatics, but for those looking for a film that can scratch the same itch that the Pirates films were able to do.

21. ‘Relic Hunter’ (1999–2002)

Created by Gil Grant

Relic Hunter is the female version of Indiana Jones. Following Sydney Fox played by Tia Carrere, a university professor of history, with her team Nigel played by Christien Anholt and Claudia played by Lindy Booth as they find ancient relics and treasures that have been missing for hundreds or thousands of years.

Relic Hunter has action, history, and intrigue as Sydney and Nigel travel the world in search of these treasures. Coming up against many different characters like thieves and criminals, the three seasons were packed with adventure and mystery.

20. ‘The Road to El Dorado’ (2000)

Directed by Bibo Bergeron and Don Paul

One of the more underrated films from the early years of DreamWorks Animation, The Road to El Dorado has continued to be a cult classic hidden gem of animation for decades since its release. The film follows a pair of swindlers in the middle of an escape after a failed con, ending up uncovering the legendary lost city of El Dorado, also known as the city of gold. However, the duo soon end up well over their heads when they are mistaken by the inhabitants of El Dorado as gods.

The treasure-hunting premise proves to lend itself perfectly to the realm of an animated comedy, with The Road to El Dorado making the most of its highly stylish 2D animation and top-notch vocal performances. The film manages to act as a great modernization and evolution of classic treasure-hunting trends and conventions while at the same time finding appeal and reliability for audiences of all ages.

19. ‘Kumiko, the Treasure Hunter’ (2014)

Directed by David Zellner

A much softer and humanist approach to a treasure hunting story, Kumiko, the Treasure Hunter is one of the most deeply original and profound approaches to telling a story about searching for elusive treasures. The film follows Tokyo office worker Kumiko, who while growing more and more tired with her mundane everyday life, finds herself enamored with a buried videotape of Fargo that she believes to be a documentary. Inspired by the film, Kumiko decides to take a trip to North Dakota to find the buried treasure in the film, a treasure that would change her life for the better.

It’s rare to see a treasure-hunting film where the treasure is so directly tied to another film, yet Kumiko, the Treasure Hunter only uses this exceptional premise as a jumping-off point for its tale of reflection and self-worth. It works wonderfully not only as a love letter to the Coen Brothers classic, but also as a tale showing the effects of media as a form of escapism, using it to get away from the sorrowful aspects of everyday life. It’s simply unlike any other treasure-hunting film out there, yet is an undeniable powerhouse of emotional weight that is certainly worth checking out.

18. ‘O Brother, Where Art Thou?’ (2000)

Directed by Joel Coen

A high-concept (and possibly unintentional) recreation of Homer’s legendary The Odyssey yet translated to the 1930s deep south, O Brother, Where Art Thou? manages to be one of the best adaptations of the legendary adventure story. The film follows a trio of escaped convicts who, on the run from the law, team up to search for a hidden treasure while the relentless lawmen are on their tale. They come across a wide variety of strange figures and predicaments while on their journey across the countryside, with the looming possibility of treasure pushing them forward.

While the film eventually transforms by its end to not directly be a treasure-hunting movie anymore, it’s the ingenious setup and exciting first act-focus that makes this an exceptional treasure-hunting comedy. The Coen Brothers are at full force here, creating one of their most charming and electrifying comedy experiences, with each passing scene adding more charm and wit into a single near-perfect package.

17. ‘Blood & Treasure’ (2019–2022)

Created by Matthew Federman and Stephen Scaia

A fantastic adventure TV series starring Matt Barr as Danny and Sofia Pernas as Lexi takes the treasure-hunting tropes back to their roots! Danny, an antiquities expert, and Lexi, an art thief, team up to stop a terrorist who funds his attacks with stolen treasure.

Currently, with two seasons, Blood & Treasure follows many similar titles like Uncharted and National Treasure with action and crime taking center stage. Lexi and Danny work so well with their polar opposite personalities as they travel to beautiful places and encounter some dire situations in Blood & Treasure.

16. ‘Romancing the Stone’ (1984)

Directed by Robert Zemeckis

Among the best movies of 1984, director Robert Zemeckis’ Romancing the Stone takes audiences on an exhilarating adventure set in the jungles of Colombia. There, an unlikely romance blossoms between Jack Colton (Michael Douglas), a rugged explorer, and Joan Wilder (Kathleen Turner), a romance novelist who gets his help finding her kidnapped sister.

This romance soon turns into a treasure-hunting adventure as the duo decides to seek the treasure the kidnappers are looking for and take it themselves. The artifact in question is the “El Corazón,” a huge emerald worth a lot of money. While some aspects of the film haven’t aged well, it’s still worth watching (or revisiting) for its entertaining blend of comedy and action.

15. ‘The Da Vinci Code’ (2006)

Directed by Ron Howard

The first and most acclaimed film of Ron Howard and Tom Hanks‘ Robert Langdon trilogy, The Da Vinci Code uses the essence of conspiracy and clues underneath the surface to tell its gripping treasure-hunting story. The film sees Hanks as Robert Langdon, a professor of religious symbolism who finds himself as the key figure of a mystery unearthed by a murder in the Louvre Museum in Paris. After discovering clues hidden within the paintings of Leonardo da Vinci, Langdon finds himself in an ever-expanding rabbit hole that threatens to destroy everything that modern society has believed about the foundations of Christianity.

The Da Vinci Code helped revolutionize and change the scope of treasure-hunting films to be more than going away to exotic locations in search of buried secrets in the eyes of average audiences. The film helped revolutionize the prospect of deep, hidden secrets being hidden in plain sight where one would least expect to see them, with the start of the hunt beginning with some of the most viewed and acclaimed paintings of all time. The film’s popularity and success brought way to an entire trilogy of these philosophical and thrilling deep dives, yet the original is still a fan favorite among audiences and critics.

14. ‘The Adventures of Tintin’ (2011)

Directed by Steven Spielberg

Hergé‘s iconic comic books are brought to life in the beloved classic, The Adventures of Tintin. Directed by Steven Spielberg, the 2011 animated adventure film revolves around the young journalist Tintin (Jamie Bell), who sets out on a quest to find the treasure of a ship called the Unicorn. However, he’s pursued by a dangerous nemesis.

With animation that holds up well and stellar performances from a talented cast – which includes Bell, Daniel Craig, Andy Serkis, Simon Pegg, and more – The Adventures of Tintin is a cinematic adventure worth experiencing over and over. The timeless classic is also known for its faithful adaptation of the source material, which translates beautifully on the big screen.

13. ‘Journey to the Center of the Earth’ (2008)

Directed by Eric Brevig

A modern-day adaptation and reenvisioning of the classic Jules Verne novel, Journey to the Center of the Earth follows scientist Trevor Anderson (Brendan Fraser) on a quest to learn the truth of his missing brother. Accompanied by his nephew and a mountain guide, the trio find themselves uncovering the unbelievable hidden world beneath the surface, filled with long-since-extinct life and fantastical elements beyond the realm of imagination.

The film takes the world and concept established in the original novel and runs wild with the possibilities and lack of limitations provided by modern visual effects and technologies, bringing to life the center of the earth in a way never seen before. The film’s visuals were a major point of success and excitement surrounding the film, with its use of 3D filmmaking even predating James Cameron‘s Avatar for a blockbuster film. What makes the film continue to stay in the hearts and minds of audiences, however, is the inherent charm of its trio of characters, with Fraser, Josh Hutcherson, and Anita Briem acting as the perfect treasure-hunting team on-screen.

12. ‘National Treasure’ (2004)

Directed by Jon Turteltaub

National Treasure is the quintessential treasure-hunting movie of the early 2000s. Following Nicolas Cage in an over-the-top performance as Ben and his ‘guy in the chair’ Riley played by Justin Bartha, as they plan to steal the Declaration of Independence to find a map to the hidden Freemason Treasure.

With action, adventure, and a museum heist, National Treasure is the perfect balance of mystery and suspense. From uncovering the secret map to the villain Sean Bean hot on their trail, there’s no surprise Disney made a sequel, National Treasure: Book of Secrets that tries to capture the magic of movies like National Treasure.

11. ‘Treasure Planet’ (2002)

Directed by John Musker and Ron Clements

A relatively underrated film in Disney’s collection of blockbusters, Treasure Planet is a gorgeous animated movie set in a futuristic world where space pirates exist. The film is centered on Jim Hawkins’ (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) journey through space as he searches for the mythical Treasure Planet. Alongside him is the intimidating and experienced John Silver (Brian Murray), who wants to find the treasure just as badly.

Despite premiering in 2002, Treasure Planet’s visuals are still a marvel to witness today. This is undoubtedly due in part to the creative blend of sci-fi and traditional swashbuckling adventure genres that it displays, not to mention the unexpectedly emotional moments that make Jim’s story unforgettable.

10. ‘The Good, the Bad and the Ugly’ (1966)

Directed by Sergio Leone

One of the most acclaimed Western films of all time, The Good, the Bad and the Ugly is not often considered when thinking of great treasure-hunting films, being drastically different in tone and style to others, yet its core premise centers around the chaos of a sought-after treasure. The film follows three equally cutthroat men crossing paths with one another as they comb the American Southwest amid the Civil War in search of a strongbox containing $200,000 in stolen gold.

The Good, The Bad and the Ugly goes well beyond the exceptional treasure-hunting films and even beyond exceptional Western films to be often touted as one of the greatest cinematic achievements of all time. Sergio Leone‘s striking and prolific masterpiece has created a powerful legacy and redefined various concepts of filmmaking, with its influence still being felt to this very day. The only thing that holds it back from being the undeniable greatest treasure-hunting film of all time is just how vastly different it is from what many people presume and expect a treasure-hunting adventure film to be.

9. ‘The Mummy’ (1999)

Directed by Stephen Sommers

When a group of treasure-seeking adventurers goes deep into an ancient tomb hoping to strike gold, they unleash a horrifying 3000-year-old cursed high priest instead. The Mummy, while initially focused on a treasure hunt gone wrong, is soon centered on how Rick O’Connell (Brendan Fraser) and Evelyn Carnahan (Rachel Weisz) work together to protect the world from sure destruction.

The 1999 film directed by Stephen Sommers birthed the iconic franchise and is still considered the best movie in the trilogy. Full of daring stunts, cutting-edge visuals for its time, and a remarkable performance by Fraser, it’s easy to see why The Mummy holds a special place in fans’ hearts to this day.

8. ‘The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles’ (1992–1996)

Created by George Lucas

Everyone already knows the classic films of the 80s, but Indiana Jones also had a television series. Opening the show with a much older Indiana, played by George Hall, as he tells his stories from his youth, played by Sean Patrick Flanery and Corey Carrier.

Only going for two seasons, George Lucas had actually prepared for at least 70 episodes. Aimed at kids and teens, The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles was educational, and the stories centered around famous figures and historical events. With a recent installment in the Indiana Jones franchise, it’s time to revisit Young Indiana once again and re-live the nostalgia.

7. ‘The Librarians’ (2014–2018)

Developed by John Rogers

A brilliant series spin-off, The Librarians had three films before the Rebecca Romijn-led show came along. The Librarians follows Eve Baird and her team, who have the important job of keeping mystical and famous historical artifacts from getting into the wrong hands.

This quirky series is like Supernatural mixed with Legends of Tomorrow, which makes it stand out from other treasure-hunting shows. The light-hearted series delves into alien invasions, haunted houses, and even the mystery behind the Bermuda Triangle!

6. ‘Outer Banks’ (2020–)

Created by Josh Pate, Jonas Pate, and Shannon Burke

Like the sleek production of Point Break and a sense of adventure straight out of Stand by Me, Outer Banks follows four friends as they search for missing treasure and answers to the disappearance of one of their fathers.

Outer Banks is beautifully filmed and well-written, so there is no surprise this popular series is about to go into its fourth season. From the childlike excitement of finding a lost treasure to the twists, turns and dangers of the town’s secrets, Outer Banks is a unique series that has it all!

5. ‘The Goonies’ (1985)

Directed by Richard Donner

The Goonies is among the best treasure-hunting movies that have stood the test of time and are a classic among movie buffs. Following a group of kids whose homes are being threatened with foreclosure, go on a search for the long-lost treasure of a pirate named One-Eyed Willy.

Created by Steven Spielberg and directed by Richard Donner (known for the 1978 Superman and Lethal Weapon), the duo produced a visually engaging family adventure film. From treasure maps, skeletons, and pirate ships, childhood dreams, and fears come alive in The Goonies.

4. ‘Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade’ (1989)

Directed by Steven Spielberg

Set in 1938, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade follows Indy on another daring adventure when his father, Henry Jones Sr., a Holy Grail scholar, is kidnapped by the Nazis, while on a search for the divine treasure. Harrison Ford returns as the titular archaeologist, professor, and adventurer, with Sean Connery joining him as Henry Sr., along with Alison Doody, River Phoenix, and John Rhys-Davies.

The third installment of the Indiana Jones film series, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade is more of a lighthearted treasure-hunting caper than its predecessor, and is recognized for reviving important narrative elements from Raiders of the Lost Ark. The highest grossing film of 1989, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade was a major critical and commercial success. But what makes this Indian Jones adventure most memorable is the fiery screen dynamic of Connery and Ford as father-son duo, supported by River Phoenix’s compelling portrayal of a younger Indiana Jones. —Maddie P

3. ‘Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark’ (1981)

Directed by Steven Spielberg

Spielberg’s Raiders of the Lost Ark is an action-adventure film that revolutionized the genre, forever remembered as one of the top treasure hunt movies. The award-winning classic introduced the world to the daring titular archeologist (played by Harrison Ford), who races against a group of Nazis trying to get their hands on a powerful relic that could turn the tide in their malevolent plans.

The fact that there is a fifth (if somewhat underwhelming) film – Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny – says everything audiences need to know about the adventure movie’s enduring legacy. The first installment is also the film with the biggest focus on treasure hunting, while also featuring the franchise’s legendary stunt work, jaw-dropping set pieces, and fantastic performances from its talented cast.

2. ‘The Treasure of the Sierra Madre’ (1948)

Directed by John Huston

From the director of Maltese Falcon comes this neo-Western treasure hunt adventure based on B. Traven’s eponymous 1927 novel. Starring Humphrey Bogart, Tim Holt, and Walter Huston, The Treasure of the Sierra Madre follows the adventures of two out-of-work drifters, Fred C. Dobbs (Bogart) and Bob Curtin (Holt), who team up with a veteran prospector, Howard (Huston), to mine gold in the

Sierra Madre mountains of Mexico. Shot mostly in Mexico, the film was one of the earliest major Hollywood productions to be shot extensively on location outside the United States. A timeless classic, The Treasure of Sierra Madre is magnificent and unconventional (for its time) in its darkly humorous narrative of human nature set to a thrilling story of a gold hunt. It is not only considered to be an excellent adaptation of the original novel, but also one of director John Huston’s best works, and one of Humphrey Bogart’s finest performances of his career. —Maddie P

1. ‘Treasure Island’ (1950)

Directed by Byron Haskin

Adapted from Robert Louis Stevenson’s popular 1883 novel of the same name, Treasure Island marks Disney’s first complete live-action film and the first screen adaptation of the novel filmed in color. Set in the West Coast of England in 1975, the adventure film follows a young boy, Jim Hawkins (Bobby Driscoll), who stumbles upon a pirate treasure map from a dying sailor, and sets out a high-sea adventure to hunt for the legendary treasure, along with pirate Captain Long John Silver (Robert Newton).

Treasure Island is a glorious piece of motion picture art that beautifully captures the essence and imagination of Stevenson’s fantastical tale, in its high-energy narrative and meticulous color photography. Newton’s portrayal of Long John Silver, with his distinctive pirate speech, became a major influence on the characterization of pirates in pop culture in the following years, and inspired the Pirates of the Caribbean characters, Jack Sparrow and Hector Barbossa. —Maddie P

NEXT: ‘Indiana Jones’ Movies Ranked from Worst to Best