Top 10 Thrillers About Archaeologists

Description: A young college student researching witchcraft in a small New England town uncovers dark secrets, blending archaeology with supernatural horror.

Fact: The film was originally released in the UK as "Horror Hotel." It was one of the first British films to receive an "X" certificate for its horror content.

Description: Indiana Jones, a professor of history and an expert in the occult, is hired to find the Ark of the Covenant before the Nazis do. This film sets the standard for archaeological thrillers with its mix of action, history, and adventure.

Fact: The film was inspired by the serials of the 1930s and 1940s. The boulder chase scene was one of the first scenes shot for the film.

Description: Two adventurers search for the legendary city of gold, El Dorado, in this sequel to "Romancing the Stone." It's a fun mix of archaeology, romance, and adventure.

Fact: The film was shot in Mexico, where they built an entire ancient city for the movie. Michael Douglas and Kathleen Turner reprised their roles from the first film.

Description: This film follows adventurer Rick O'Connell as he inadvertently awakens an ancient mummy, leading to a race against time to stop the mummy's curse from unleashing chaos. It's a perfect blend of archaeology, adventure, and horror.

Fact: The film was inspired by the 1932 film of the same name. The mummy's curse was a real-life phenomenon that inspired many stories and films.

Description: Although not directly about archaeology, this prequel to "The Mummy Returns" involves an ancient warrior's quest, which ties into the theme of uncovering ancient secrets and battling mythical creatures.

Fact: Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson made his feature film debut in this movie. The film was initially conceived as a direct-to-video release.

Description: Historian Benjamin Franklin Gates searches for a legendary treasure hidden by the Founding Fathers of the United States. The film blends history, treasure hunting, and thrilling action.

Fact: The film's plot was inspired by a real-life treasure hunt for the lost treasure of the Knights Templar. The Declaration of Independence used in the film was a replica.

Description: A group of friends on vacation in Mexico stumble upon an ancient Mayan temple, leading to a horrifying encounter with a deadly plant. This film explores the darker side of archaeological exploration.

Fact: The film was based on the novel by Scott Smith, who also wrote the screenplay. The plant in the film was created using CGI and practical effects.

Description: Lara Croft, the daughter of a missing adventurer, must push herself beyond her limits when she discovers the island where her father disappeared. This film brings the video game character into a thrilling archaeological adventure.

Fact: Alicia Vikander performed many of her own stunts. The film was shot in various locations including South Africa and the UK.

Description: A museum curator and a biologist must stop a creature born from a South American relic that's terrorizing the museum. It combines elements of archaeology with horror and suspense.

Fact: The film was based on the novel "Relic" by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child. The creature was designed by Stan Winston, famous for his work on "Jurassic Park."

Description: A bookish librarian is thrust into an adventure to retrieve pieces of the Spear of Destiny, combining elements of archaeology, mythology, and action.

Fact: The film spawned a trilogy and a TV series. Noah Wyle, known for "ER," stars as the librarian.