Fancy a bit of adventure with your crime? This curated list of films delves into the shadowy world of ancient relics, where the stakes are high and the treasures are priceless. From the sands of Egypt to the jungles of South America, these films blend historical intrigue with modern-day heists, offering a treasure trove of cinematic delights for those who love a good mystery wrapped in the allure of the past.

The Quest for the Holy Grail (1975)
Description: Although a comedy, this film parodies the quest for the Holy Grail, one of the most sought-after relics in history, making it an unconventional but fitting addition to the list.
Fact: The film was made on a shoestring budget, with the cast and crew often sleeping in the castles they were filming in to save money.


Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)
Description: Indiana Jones, the iconic archaeologist, races against Nazis to find the Ark of the Covenant, an ancient relic with immense power. This film set the standard for adventure films involving historical artifacts.
Fact: The film's opening sequence was inspired by the serials of the 1930s and 40s, which George Lucas and Steven Spielberg loved as kids.


The Lost City of Gold (1987)
Description: This adventure film follows two explorers searching for the legendary city of El Dorado, involving ancient relics and treasures along the way.
Fact: The film was part of a trilogy known as "The Jewel of the Nile," "Romancing the Stone," and "The Lost City of Gold."


The Mummy (1999)
Description: This film follows adventurer Rick O'Connell as he unwittingly awakens an ancient Egyptian mummy, leading to a race against time to prevent the mummy from unleashing his curse. It's a perfect blend of action, adventure, and the supernatural, all revolving around an ancient relic.
Fact: The film was inspired by the 1932 film of the same name, and the mummy's curse was a popular theme in early 20th-century cinema.


The Mask of Zorro (1998)
Description: While not directly about relics, the film involves a legendary mask and sword, symbols of the Zorro legacy, which are ancient in their own right, leading to a tale of revenge and justice.
Fact: The film revitalized the Zorro character for modern audiences and was critically acclaimed for its action sequences.


The Scorpion King (2002)
Description: Although more fantasy than crime, this prequel to 'The Mummy Returns' involves an ancient relic that grants power, setting the stage for a battle between good and evil.
Fact: Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson made his film debut in this movie, transitioning from wrestling to acting.


National Treasure (2004)
Description: A historian and his team embark on a treasure hunt to find a fortune hidden by America's Founding Fathers. The film is packed with puzzles, historical references, and the allure of ancient relics.
Fact: The film's plot was inspired by real historical events and documents, including the Knights Templar and the Declaration of Independence.


The Da Vinci Code (2006)
Description: Based on Dan Brown's novel, this film follows a symbologist who must solve a series of puzzles to uncover the truth about the Holy Grail, leading to a thrilling chase through history and religion.
Fact: The film was shot on location in Paris, London, and Scotland, adding authenticity to its historical settings.


The Relic (1997)
Description: A detective and a biologist team up to investigate a series of murders linked to an ancient relic from South America, which seems to have brought something sinister back with it.
Fact: The film was based on a novel by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child, who are known for their thrillers involving scientific and historical mysteries.


Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (2001)
Description: Lara Croft, the famous video game heroine, must prevent the Illuminati from obtaining two halves of an ancient relic, the Triangle of Light, which could control time.
Fact: The film was the first in a series of adaptations from the popular video game franchise.
