Movies About Treasure

From Robert Zemeckis, starring Michael J. Fox, Christopher Lloyd, Lea Thompson, Crispin Glover
Rated PG

Back to the Future is a classic time-travel adventure comedy directed by Robert Zemeckis. The movie follows Marty McFly, a 17 year old high school student who is accidentally sent back in time to 1955 in a time-traveling DeLorean invented by his eccentric scientist friend, Doc Brown. In 1955, Marty must find a way to return to his own time and prevent his parents from never meeting, all while avoiding the attention of bully Biff Tannen and his gang. With the help of Doc and the 1955 version of his teenage parents, Marty manages to fix the DeLorean and return to the future, where he finds that his actions have changed the timeline for the better.

From Martin Scorsese, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon, Jack Nicholson, Mark Wahlberg
Rated R

The Departed is a 2006 American crime drama film directed by Martin Scorsese and a remake of the 2002 Hong Kong film Infernal Affairs. The film follows two men, Billy Costigan (Leonardo DiCaprio) and Colin Sullivan (Matt Damon) who become deeply entangled in the Boston underworld of organized crime. Billy is an undercover cop infiltrating the Irish mob run by Frank Costello (Jack Nicholson), while Colin is a mole for the same mob, embedded in the Massachusetts State Police. As both men work to discover the other's identity, the tension between them and their respective organizations increases, culminating in a violent confrontation. The film also stars Mark Wahlberg, Alec Baldwin, Vera Farmiga, and Martin Sheen.

From Damien Chazelle, starring Miles Teller, J.K. Simmons, Melissa Benoist, Paul Reiser
Rated R

Whiplash is an intense and riveting drama about a talented young jazz drummer, Andrew Neiman (Miles Teller), and his relationship with an exacting and demanding teacher, Terence Fletcher (J.K. Simmons). Andrew is a student at a prestigious music conservatory who dreams of becoming one of the greats. Fletcher is a driven, relentless perfectionist, pushing his students to their physical and emotional limits in pursuit of perfection. The film follows Andrew as he strives to become one of the greatest drummers of all time, while enduring the psychological abuse of his teacher. Along the way, Andrew discovers the importance of challenging himself and his own limitations, and the incredible rewards that come with such dedication.

From Christopher Nolan, starring Christian Bale, Hugh Jackman, Scarlett Johansson, Michael Caine
Rated PG-13

The Prestige is a 2006 British-American mystery thriller film directed by Christopher Nolan about two rival stage magicians in London at the end of the 19th century. Robert Angier and Alfred Borden are friends and competitors who engage in a deadly rivalry for the ultimate illusion. After a mysterious accident results in the death of Robert's wife, the two become obsessed with creating the ultimate stage illusion and will stop at nothing to outdo each other. As their rivalry deepens, each magician vies to see who can create the most powerful, artistic, and dangerous trick. Along the way, they grapple with the consequences of their actions and must ultimately decide whether the cost of achieving their dreams is too great.

From Christopher Nolan, starring Christian Bale, Michael Caine, Ken Watanabe, Liam Neeson
Rated PG-13

Batman Begins is a 2005 superhero film directed by Christopher Nolan, based on the DC Comics character Batman. The film follows Bruce Wayne (Christian Bale) as he returns to Gotham City after a long absence and prepares to fight crime as the vigilante Batman. With the help of his loyal butler Alfred (Michael Caine), Bruce meets with Lucius Fox (Morgan Freeman), the CEO of Wayne Enterprises, and learns about the company’s high-tech weaponry. He also meets with Lucius’ assistant, Dr. Jonathan Crane (Cillian Murphy), who is secretly working with a criminal organization known as the League of Shadows. Meanwhile, the city is being terrorized by the criminal mastermind Carmine Falcone (Tom Wilkinson). With the help of his allies, Bruce is able to successfully defeat Falcone, but he soon discovers the League of Shadows and their plan to destroy Gotham City. Bruce must now battle the League of Shadows, led by the mysterious Ra's al Ghul (Liam Neeson), and their plan of destruction. In the end, Bruce is able to save Gotham City and restore order, but his quest to become Batman is not yet over.

From Steven Spielberg, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Hanks, Christopher Walken, Martin Sheen
Rated PG-13

Catch Me If You Can tells the incredible true story of Frank Abagnale Jr. (Leonardo DiCaprio), a daring and brilliant con artist who successfully posed as a Pan American World Airways pilot, an attorney, and a doctor all before his 18th birthday. With the FBI hot on his trail and determined to bring him to justice, Frank must outsmart the ever-vigilant agent Carl Hanratty (Tom Hanks) who is determined to bring him to justice. As his escapades become increasingly audacious, Frank eventually finds himself in the center of a high-stakes game of cat and mouse, where his newfound fame may be his downfall.

From Directors: Dean DeBlois, Chris Sanders, starring Jay Baruchel, Gerard Butler, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Craig Ferguson
Rated PG

How to Train Your Dragon is an animated adventure fantasy film released in 2010, directed by Dean DeBlois and Chris Sanders. It follows the story of a young Viking named Hiccup, who is the son of the village chief and is expected to follow in his father’s footsteps. However, Hiccup has no interest in dragons, which are seen as dangerous creatures. After Hiccup captures a dragon, he discovers that the dragon, whom he names Toothless, is more intelligent and gentle than he had previously thought. He then begins to train Toothless, and the two develop a bond. As Hiccup and Toothless grow closer, they discover that the Vikings and dragons have a shared past, and they are determined to use this knowledge to bring peace between their two peoples. Along the way, they team up with their allies, Astrid and Gobber, to fight off an evil dragon called the Red Death. In the end, Hiccup and Toothless successfully unite the Viking and dragon populations and become heroes.

From Lenny Abrahamson, starring Brie Larson, Jacob Tremblay, Sean Bridgers, Wendy Crewson
Rated R

Room is a 2015 drama film directed by Lenny Abrahamson, starring Brie Larson and Jacob Tremblay. The story follows five-year-old Jack and his Ma, who are living in captivity in a single room. Jack has never been outside and his mother has protected him from the truth of their situation. As Jack's curiosity about their situation grows, his mother begins to plan an escape, risking everything to give her son a chance at a normal life. As the two face the challenges of their escape and their newfound freedom, they must find strength and resilience to survive and adjust to life on the outside.

From Denis Villeneuve, starring Hugh Jackman, Jake Gyllenhaal, Viola Davis, Melissa Leo
Rated R

"Prisoners" is a 2013 crime thriller directed by Denis Villeneuve. The movie stars Hugh Jackman as Keller Dover, a blue-collar carpenter and father of two, whose 6-year-old daughter and her best friend are kidnapped on Thanksgiving Day. With desperation setting in and the police investigation at a standstill, Dover takes matters into his own hands, and teams up with a detective (Jake Gyllenhaal) to track down the abductor. The film is a gripping and intense look into the lengths one will go to in order to rescue the ones they love. Along the way, Dover and the detective uncover a twisted web of secrets and lies, and discover that nothing is what it seems.

From Richard Linklater, starring Ethan Hawke, Julie Delpy, Andrea Eckert, Hanno Pöschl
Rated R

Before Sunrise is a 1995 romantic drama directed by Richard Linklater and starring Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy. It follows two strangers, Jesse (Hawke) and Celine (Delpy), who meet on a train and decide to spend the night together in Vienna. During the course of their time together, they explore the city and, more importantly, get to know one another. They discuss various topics, including love, art, relationships, and life, and soon develop a connection. As their time together comes to an end, they must decide whether to part ways or take a chance on something more.

From Martin McDonagh, starring Frances McDormand, Woody Harrelson, Sam Rockwell, Caleb Landry Jones
Rated R

Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri is a darkly comic crime drama directed by Martin McDonagh and starring Frances McDormand. Set in the small town of Ebbing, Missouri, the film follows the story of Mildred Hayes (McDormand) as she rents out three billboards to draw attention to her daughter's unsolved rape and murder. In her quest for justice, Mildred comes into conflict with the town's police chief, William Willoughby (Woody Harrelson), and his deputy, the hot-headed Jason Dixon (Sam Rockwell). As the conflict between Mildred and the police escalates, the townspeople are pulled into the fray, revealing the darkness and bitterness that lurks beneath the surface of the small community.

From Brad Bird, starring Craig T. Nelson, Samuel L. Jackson, Holly Hunter, Jason Lee
Rated PG

The Incredibles is a 2004 American computer-animated superhero film written and directed by Brad Bird. It tells the story of Bob Parr and his family of superheroes, the Incredibles, who are forced to hide their superpowers in order to lead seemingly normal lives. When a powerful villain threatens to take over the world, they must come together to save the day. Along the way, they must learn to trust each other and use their powers as a family. The film features a stellar voice cast, including Craig T. Nelson, Holly Hunter, and Samuel L. Jackson, and has won numerous awards, including two Academy Awards for Best Animated Feature and Best Sound Editing.

From Gabriele Muccino, starring Will Smith, Thandiwe Newton, Jaden Smith, Brian Howe
Rated PG-13

The Pursuit of Happyness is a 2006 drama directed by Gabriele Muccino. The film follows the story of Chris Gardner, a single father struggling to make ends meet in San Francisco. Chris is determined to get out of poverty and provide a better future for his five-year-old son, Christopher Jr., and embarks on a challenging journey to make his dream of becoming a successful stockbroker come true. Along the way, Chris faces numerous obstacles such as homelessness, financial problems, and discrimination, but with sheer determination and the help of his son, he is able to overcome them. The film culminates with Chris landing a job at Dean Witter Reynolds and achieving the American Dream.

From Destin Daniel Cretton, starring Brie Larson, Frantz Turner, John Gallagher Jr., Kaitlyn Dever
Rated R

Short Term 12 is a 2013 American independent drama film written and directed by Destin Daniel Cretton. It stars Brie Larson as Grace, a supervisor at a foster-care facility for troubled teenagers. The film follows Grace's relationships with the care home's inhabitants, her long-term boyfriend and co-worker, Mason (John Gallagher Jr.), and her own difficult past. The film paints a portrait of the challenges faced by young adults in care, as well as the relationships between them and their carers. It also touches on mental health issues, including depression and self-harm. The film was acclaimed by critics, earning a number of awards and nominations. It was widely praised for its realistic portrayal of a difficult and often overlooked subject.

From Richard Linklater, starring Ellar Coltrane, Patricia Arquette, Ethan Hawke, Elijah Smith
Rated R

Boyhood is an award-winning drama film written and directed by Richard Linklater and starring Patricia Arquette, Ethan Hawke, and Ellar Coltrane. The story follows the life of Mason Evans Jr., from age 6 to 18, as he grows up in Texas with his divorced parents and older sister. Through the course of the film, viewers get a close look at the complexity of growing up, from Mason's earliest memories to his last day of high school. As Mason, his sister, and their parents experience moments of joy, heartache, and uncertainty, the story unfolds in an intimate, insightful, and heartfelt way.

From Doug Liman, starring Tom Cruise, Emily Blunt, Bill Paxton, Brendan Gleeson
Rated PG-13

Edge of Tomorrow is a 2014 science fiction action film directed by Doug Liman. The movie stars Tom Cruise as Major William Cage, an officer who is killed in battle against an alien race known as Mimics. However, he finds himself in a time loop, reliving the same day over and over, forcing him to improve his combat skills until he can defeat the aliens. Throughout his journey, Cage teams up with Special Forces warrior Rita Vrataski (Emily Blunt) and they work together to discover the source of the Mimics and find a way to stop them. As Cage becomes a better soldier, he unlocks the secrets of the time loop and becomes a formidable foe against the aliens. In the end, he and Rita destroy the aliens and save Earth.

From Doug Liman, starring Franka Potente, Matt Damon, Chris Cooper, Clive Owen
Rated PG-13

The Bourne Identity is a 2002 action-thriller film directed by Doug Liman. The film follows Jason Bourne (Matt Damon), a man who wakes up with amnesia and finds himself in a situation where he is being hunted by assassins. As he tries to piece together his past, he discovers he was a highly trained CIA assassin and is now the target of a massive international manhunt. To stay alive, Bourne must use his special skills and instincts to outwit his pursuers and uncover the truth about his own identity. Along the way, he forms a tenuous alliance with a female French intelligence operative and meets a German girl who helps him remember his past. Ultimately, Bourne battles the CIA in a thrilling, suspense-filled climax.

From Denis Villeneuve, starring Amy Adams, Jeremy Renner, Forest Whitaker, Michael Stuhlbarg
Rated PG-13

Arrival is a 2016 science fiction drama directed by Denis Villeneuve. The film follows the story of linguist Louise Banks (Amy Adams) and physicist Ian Donnelly (Jeremy Renner) who are hired by the U.S. government to communicate with alien spacecrafts that have mysteriously arrived at twelve different locations around the world. As they attempt to decipher the alien's language and intentions, Louise and Ian find themselves in a race against time to save humanity from a global catastrophe. Along the way, Louise discovers that the aliens have granted her an incredible gift, the ability to see into the future, which forces her to reconsider her past choices and weigh the consequences of her actions. In the end, Louise and Ian make the ultimate sacrifice in order to avert disaster and find a way to communicate with the aliens.

From Matt Reeves, starring Robert Pattinson, Zoë Kravitz, Jeffrey Wright, Colin Farrell
Rated PG-13

The Batman is a 2022 American superhero film based on the DC Comics character Batman. Directed by Matt Reeves, the film stars Robert Pattinson as Bruce Wayne / Batman, the billionaire playboy and philanthropist who moonlights as a vigilante. The script is written by Reeves and Mattson Tomlin, and it focuses on a younger Bruce Wayne as he begins his journey to becoming the world's greatest detective. This Batman will use his skills to uncover a conspiracy that threatens to destroy the city of Gotham. Along his journey he will encounter a variety of rogues, including Catwoman and the Penguin. The film will feature a unique visual style, grounded in film noir, as well as a strong focus on Batman's detective skills.

From Dan Gilroy, starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Rene Russo, Bill Paxton, Riz Ahmed
Rated R

Nightcrawler follows the story of Lou Bloom (Jake Gyllenhaal), a small-time criminal struggling to make ends meet in Los Angeles. After witnessing a car crash and the freelance cameramen filming it, he decides to enter the world of "nightcrawling," a dangerous job involving the pursuit of violent accidents to capture footage for the news. With nothing but his slimy charm and a stolen camera, Lou quickly proves to be a skilled cameraman and a ruthless competitor. With the help of a veteran news director (Rene Russo), Lou soon finds himself entrenched in the high-stakes world of crime journalism. As his ambition grows, so does his moral ambiguity, leading him to cross the line between observer and participant in the stories he covers.

From Directors: Jonathan Dayton, Valerie Faris, starring Steve Carell, Toni Collette, Greg Kinnear, Abigail Breslin
Rated R

"Little Miss Sunshine" is a 2006 American comedy-drama film directed by Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris. It follows the Hoover family's cross-country road trip from New Mexico to California, so that their daughter Olive (Abigail Breslin) can compete in the Little Miss Sunshine beauty pageant. The film's ensemble cast includes Greg Kinnear, Steve Carell, Toni Collette, Paul Dano, Alan Arkin, and Abigail Breslin. Along their journey, the family must confront their own personal issues, including dysfunctional relationships and a struggling marriage. Ultimately, the family must learn to accept one another and their flaws in order to survive the trip and make it to the pageant.

From Richard Curtis, starring Domhnall Gleeson, Rachel McAdams, Bill Nighy, Lydia Wilson
Rated R

About Time is a romantic comedy-drama film directed by Richard Curtis, starring Domhnall Gleeson, Rachel McAdams, and Bill Nighy. The story follows Tim Lake (Gleeson), a young man who discovers that he has the ability to time travel. Tim uses this newfound power to get a girlfriend, stand up to bullies, and fix his family’s troubles. His adventures take him to all sorts of places, and he learns valuable lessons about the importance of living life to the fullest and cherishing every moment. Ultimately, Tim decides to use his power for good, even if it means sacrificing his own happiness. In the end, Tim manages to find his way back to true love and happiness.

From Marc Webb, starring Zooey Deschanel, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Geoffrey Arend, Chloë Grace Moretz
Rated PG-13

500 Days of Summer is a romantic comedy-drama directed by Marc Webb and starring Zooey Deschanel and Joseph Gordon-Levitt. The film follows the story of Tom (Joseph Gordon-Levitt), an aspiring architect, and Summer (Zooey Deschanel), a free-spirited girl who he falls in love with. While Summer does not share the same feelings and insists that the two remain friends, Tom is convinced that he can make her fall for him. The film follows their relationship over the course of 500 days, exploring their interactions and the ups and downs that come with life, love and relationships. Through the film, Tom learns valuable lessons about life and love and ultimately discovers the true meaning of happiness.

From Matthew Vaughn, starring Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Nicolas Cage, Chloë Grace Moretz, Garrett M. Brown
Rated R

Kick-Ass is a 2010 superhero film directed by Matthew Vaughn. The film follows Dave Lizewski (Aaron Johnson), an ordinary teenager who decides to become a real-life superhero by donning a costume and fighting crime on the streets. Along the way, he joins forces with other costumed vigilantes, notably Hit Girl (Chloë Grace Moretz) and Big Daddy (Nicolas Cage). Together, the group must face off against the ruthless mob boss, Frank D'Amico (Mark Strong). The film explores themes of heroism and justice and has been praised for its subversive take on the superhero genre.

From Duncan Jones, starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Michelle Monaghan, Vera Farmiga, Jeffrey Wright
Rated PG-13

Source Code is a 2011 science fiction film directed by Duncan Jones. The story follows U.S. Army helicopter pilot Colter Stevens (Jake Gyllenhaal), who wakes up in the body of an unknown man and discovers he is part of a mission to find the bomber of a Chicago commuter train. With the help of a resourceful passenger (Michelle Monaghan), he discovers he has been sent back in time eight minutes in an experimental government program called the Source Code. He must relive the train incident over and over again until he can identify the bomber and prevent a much larger attack. As the clock ticks down, Stevens must face the impossible and confront the reality of his situation.