Top 10 Thrilling Films About Ancient Artefacts

Description: This iconic film follows archaeologist Indiana Jones as he races against Nazis to find the Ark of the Covenant, an ancient artefact with immense power. Its blend of action, history, and mystery makes it a cornerstone in the genre.

Fact: The film was originally titled "The Adventures of Indiana Smith" before being changed to avoid confusion with a TV show. The boulder chase scene was inspired by a similar sequence in the 1954 film "Secret of the Incas."

Description: Indiana Jones teams up with his father to find the Holy Grail, an ancient artefact with the power to grant eternal life, leading to a thrilling adventure across continents.

Fact: Sean Connery, who plays Indiana's father, is only 12 years older than Harrison Ford. The film includes a homage to the classic film serials of the 1930s and 40s.

Description: An ancient artefact, the Stargate, allows travel to other planets. This film explores themes of ancient Egyptian mythology and interstellar travel, combining sci-fi with historical elements.

Fact: The film's success led to a long-running TV series. The Stargate itself was inspired by the cover of the book "The Space Gods Revealed" by Erich von Däniken.

Description: Although set in the future, the film revolves around ancient artefacts and prophecies, with the quest to find the fifth element, a being that can save the world from an evil force.

Fact: The film's unique visual style was heavily influenced by French comic books. It took over 200 hours to apply the makeup for the alien opera singer, Plavalaguna.

Description: Set in the 1920s, this film follows adventurer Rick O'Connell as he accidentally awakens an ancient mummy, Imhotep, who seeks to resurrect his lost love using ancient artefacts. It's a thrilling mix of horror, adventure, and romance.

Fact: The film was originally conceived as a direct remake of the 1932 classic but evolved into a more action-oriented adventure. The character of Evelyn Carnahan was inspired by Evelyn Baring, a real-life Egyptologist.

Description: This prequel to "The Mummy Returns" focuses on Mathayus, an ancient warrior, who seeks an artefact to defeat an evil ruler, blending myth with action-packed adventure.

Fact: Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson made his film debut in this movie. The film was originally intended to be a direct-to-video release but was upgraded to a theatrical release due to Johnson's rising popularity.

Description: A treasure hunter, Ben Gates, follows clues hidden in historical documents to find a treasure linked to the Founding Fathers, including the Knights Templar's treasure. The film combines American history with a treasure hunt.

Fact: The film was inspired by the real-life mystery of the Knights Templar's lost treasure. The script was on the Hollywood Black List of best unproduced screenplays for several years before being made.

Description: Based on Dan Brown's novel, this film follows symbologist Robert Langdon as he unravels a mystery involving the Holy Grail, hidden codes, and the Priory of Sion, all tied to ancient artefacts and religious history.

Fact: The Louvre allowed filming inside the museum, a rare occurrence. The film's plot was criticized by some religious groups for its portrayal of historical and religious events.

Description: While not directly about an artefact, the film involves a supernatural creature unleashed by an ancient relic brought back from an expedition in South America, leading to chaos in a museum.

Fact: The film was based on the novel "Relic" by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child. The creature's design was inspired by various mythological creatures and was created using practical effects.

Description: Lara Croft, an adventurer, searches for the Triangle of Light, an ancient artefact with the power to control time. This film captures the essence of the video game series with its focus on exploration and ancient mysteries.

Fact: Angelina Jolie, who played Lara Croft, underwent extensive physical training to embody the character's athleticism. The film was shot in various locations around the world to reflect the global nature of Lara's adventures.