Best Treasure Hunting Movies

Updated May 1, 2024

Several creators have explored Best Treasure Hunting Movies. We listed 25 of the top ones.

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly (1966)

★★★★

3.5 out of 4 stars

From Sergio Leone, starring Clint Eastwood, Eli Wallach, Lee Van Cleef, Aldo Giuffrè
Rated R

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly is a 1966 Italian-American epic Spaghetti Western film directed by Sergio Leone and starring Clint Eastwood, Lee Van Cleef, and Eli Wallach. Set during the American Civil War, it follows the three titular characters—the eponymous “good”, “bad”, and “ugly”—as they search for a hidden fortune in Union Army gold. Along the way, they must contend with the forces of nature, double-crossing adversaries, and their own personal differences. As the trio of anti-heroes compete for the prize, the film is often considered one of the greatest Westerns ever made, and a milestone in the development of the genre.

Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)

★★★★

3.4 out of 4 stars

From Steven Spielberg, starring Harrison Ford, Karen Allen, Paul Freeman, John Rhys-Davies
Rated PG

In "Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark" (1981), directed by Steven Spielberg, archaeologist and adventurer Indiana Jones is tasked with finding the biblical Ark of the Covenant before the Nazis. He must traverse the globe, from the jungles of South America to the bustling streets of Cairo, on his quest to obtain the powerful artifact. Along the way, he encounters snakes, face off against Nazis, and is reunited with an old flame. With danger and excitement around every corner, Indiana Jones puts his wit and strength to the test in an epic race against time.

Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989)

★★★★

3.3 out of 4 stars

From Steven Spielberg, starring Harrison Ford, Sean Connery, Alison Doody, Denholm Elliott
Rated PG-13

Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade is an action-adventure film released in 1989 and directed by Steven Spielberg. The film follows archaeologist-adventurer Indiana Jones as he searches for his father, Professor Henry Jones Sr., who has gone missing while searching for the Holy Grail. Indiana must race against the Nazis, led by the sinister Elsa Schneider, to find his father and the coveted relic. Along the way, he faces multiple obstacles and must rely on his wits and courage to succeed. With the help of his father, Indiana Jones is able to defeat the Nazis and find the Holy Grail. In the end, Indiana is able to protect the Grail from the Nazis and reunite with his father.

The Treasure of the Sierra Madre (1948)

★★★★

3.3 out of 4 stars

From John Huston, starring Humphrey Bogart, Walter Huston, Tim Holt, Bruce Bennett
Rated Passed

The Treasure of the Sierra Madre is a 1948 American adventure-drama directed by John Huston and starring Humphrey Bogart, Walter Huston, and Tim Holt. It tells the story of Fred C. Dobbs (Bogart) and two other American prospectors in Mexico during the 1920s who search for gold in the Sierra Madre mountains. After finding gold, the group’s greed and paranoia leads to conflict, betrayal, and death. The film won three Academy Awards, including Best Director for Huston and Best Supporting Actor for Walter Huston. It is considered a classic of American cinema and has achieved iconic status for its memorable lines and themes.

Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003)

★★★★

3.2 out of 4 stars

From Gore Verbinski, starring Johnny Depp, Geoffrey Rush, Orlando Bloom, Keira Knightley
Rated PG-13

Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl is a 2003 action-adventure comedy film. It follows the story of Will Turner, a young blacksmith, who teams up with the eccentric pirate Captain Jack Sparrow in a daring attempt to rescue Elizabeth Swann, the daughter of Governor Weatherby Swann, from the cursed crew of the Black Pearl, led by the formidable Captain Barbossa. Along the way, Jack and Will must battle their enemies and outwit the cursed crew of the Black Pearl, who are desperate to reclaim their freedom and immortality. The film has a star-studded cast, including Johnny Depp, Orlando Bloom, Keira Knightley, Geoffrey Rush, and Jack Davenport. The film was a major box office success, earning over $654 million worldwide, and remains one of the top-grossing films of all time.

Aladdin (1992)

★★★★

3.2 out of 4 stars

From Directors: Ron Clements, John Musker, starring Scott Weinger, Robin Williams, Linda Larkin, Jonathan Freeman
Rated G

Aladdin is an animated musical fantasy film released in 1992 by Disney. It follows the story of Aladdin, a street-smart young man living in Agrabah who falls in love with the beautiful Princess Jasmine. When the evil Jafar, the Grand Vizier of Agrabah, plots to use a magical lamp to take over the kingdom, Aladdin is the only one who can save the day. With the help of the Genie, a magical being trapped inside the lamp, Aladdin must battle Jafar, outwit his sidekick Iago, and win the heart of the princess. Along the way, he also learns valuable lessons about friendship, loyalty, courage, and following his dreams. With music and lyrics by the Academy Award-winning composer Alan Menken, the film is full of adventure and laughter for the whole family.

The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (2013)

★★★★

3.1 out of 4 stars

From Peter Jackson, starring Ian McKellen, Martin Freeman, Richard Armitage, Ken Stott
Rated PG-13

The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug is an epic fantasy-adventure film directed by Peter Jackson and based on J. R. R. Tolkien's novel "The Hobbit". The film follows Bilbo Baggins and a group of dwarves led by Thorin Oakenshield, who are on an epic quest to reclaim their homeland from the dragon Smaug. Along the way, they must contend with the dangerous creatures and characters of Middle-earth, including orcs, elves, giant spiders, and a mysterious Necromancer. The stakes become higher as the group reaches their destination, and they must join forces with the men of Laketown to vanquish Smaug and restore the kingdom of Erebor. The film also features a multitude of spectacular action sequences and visual effects that bring the fantasy world of Middle-earth to life.

The Goonies (1985)

★★★★

3.1 out of 4 stars

From Richard Donner, starring Sean Astin, Josh Brolin, Jeff Cohen, Corey Feldman
Rated PG

The Goonies, directed by Richard Donner in 1985, is an adventure-comedy about a group of misfit kids from the "Goon Docks" neighborhood of Astoria, Oregon. After their homes are threatened with foreclosure, the kids set out on a wild adventure to find One-Eyed Willie's long-lost treasure in order to save their homes. Along the way, they encounter a variety of obstacles, from a dangerous criminal group known as the Fratellis to a giant octopus, while they unravel the mystery behind One-Eyed Willie's lost fortune. With the help of a map, their wits, and a few friends, the Goonies eventually overcome their adversaries and find the hidden treasure.

Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984)

★★★★

3 out of 4 stars

From Steven Spielberg, starring Harrison Ford, Kate Capshaw, Ke Huy Quan, Amrish Puri
Rated PG

Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom is an action-packed 1984 adventure movie directed by Steven Spielberg and starring Harrison Ford, Kate Capshaw, and Amrish Puri. In the film, Indiana Jones (Ford), a renowned archaeologist, and his sidekick Short Round (Ke Huy Quan) travel to India to find a sacred stone stolen from a small village. Along the way, they stumble upon the mysterious Thuggee cult, who are using the stone to gain power and enslave the local people. After being captured, they must now find a way to escape the clutches of the cult and rescue the enslaved children. As they search for a way to save the children and retrieve the stone, Indiana Jones and his team bravely face booby traps, dangerous enemies, and their own fear of the supernatural. With some help from the enchanted Sankara Stones, they ultimately succeed in their mission.