There's something undeniably thrilling about the hunt for ancient manuscripts in action films. These films not only provide adrenaline-pumping action but also delve into the mysteries of the past, making for a captivating blend of adventure, history, and suspense. Here's a curated list of ten action-packed movies where ancient manuscripts play a pivotal role, offering viewers a journey through time and intrigue.

The Lost City of Gold (1987)
Description: An adventurer searches for the legendary city of El Dorado, guided by an ancient manuscript. The manuscript's clues are essential to the adventure.
Fact: This film is part of the "Jewel of the Nile" series, continuing the adventures from "Romancing the Stone."


Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989)
Description: Indiana Jones searches for the Holy Grail, guided by an ancient manuscript known as the Grail Diary. The manuscript provides clues to the Grail's location and the traps guarding it.
Fact: The film was the third in the Indiana Jones series and was influenced by classic adventure serials.


The Mummy (1999)
Description: This film follows adventurer Rick O'Connell as he inadvertently awakens an ancient Egyptian priest, Imhotep, through the reading of a cursed scroll. The manuscript's power to resurrect the dead makes it a central element of the plot.
Fact: The film was inspired by the 1932 film of the same name but adds a more action-oriented approach. The script was originally intended for a much darker film.


The Scorpion King (2002)
Description: Although not directly about manuscripts, the film involves an ancient prophecy and a quest for power, elements often associated with ancient texts.
Fact: Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson made his film debut in this movie, which was a spin-off from "The Mummy Returns."


National Treasure (2004)
Description: Benjamin Franklin Gates, a treasure hunter, uses clues from a series of ancient documents, including the Declaration of Independence, to find a hidden treasure. The manuscript's secrets drive the entire plot.
Fact: The film was inspired by the real-life Beale ciphers, which are said to describe the location of a buried treasure.


The Da Vinci Code (2006)
Description: Professor Robert Langdon deciphers a series of ancient manuscripts and symbols to uncover a secret society and the true Holy Grail. The manuscript's revelations are central to the film's mystery.
Fact: The film was controversial due to its portrayal of religious themes, leading to protests and bans in some countries.


The Adventurer: The Curse of the Midas Box (2013)
Description: A young boy and his family are drawn into a quest involving an ancient manuscript that holds the key to a box with the power to turn things into gold.
Fact: The film is based on the novel "The Adventurer" by Alfred Gough and Miles Millar, who also wrote the screenplay.


The Relic (1997)
Description: While not directly about manuscripts, the film involves a museum curator uncovering a deadly creature through an ancient artifact, which could be considered a manuscript of sorts.
Fact: The film was based on the novel "Relic" by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child, which was the first in their Pendergast series.


Tomb Raider (2001)
Description: Lara Croft must find the Triangle of Light, guided by an ancient manuscript. The manuscript's secrets are key to her mission.
Fact: The film was based on the popular video game series, bringing the character of Lara Croft to life on the big screen.


The Librarian: Quest for the Spear (2004)
Description: Flynn Carsen, a librarian, must retrieve an ancient manuscript that leads to the Spear of Destiny. The manuscript's clues are vital to his quest.
Fact: This film spawned a series of TV movies and a TV show, expanding on the adventures of the Librarian.
