There's something uniquely entertaining about watching a group of characters chase after an ancient artefact, especially when the journey is filled with laughter. This collection of films combines the thrill of the hunt with the joy of comedy, making for a delightful cinematic experience. Whether it's a cursed relic or a magical item, these films showcase how artefacts can lead to the most hilarious of adventures.

Ghostbusters (1984)
Description: Although not about an artefact per se, the film revolves around the containment of supernatural entities, which can be considered artefacts in their own right. The comedic elements come from the team's interactions and their quirky ghost-catching gadgets.
Fact: The film was initially conceived as a horror movie, but the script was rewritten to include more comedy. The iconic Stay Puft Marshmallow Man was inspired by a childhood memory of one of the writers.


The Goonies (1985)
Description: This classic adventure film follows a group of kids on a treasure hunt, leading to numerous comedic moments as they encounter booby traps and pirates' treasure. The film's charm lies in its blend of adventure and the innocence of childhood.
Fact: The film was inspired by the real-life adventures of its writer, Chris Columbus, and his friends. The famous truffle shuffle was improvised by actor Jeff Cohen.


The Jewel of the Nile (1985)
Description: A sequel to "Romancing the Stone," this film follows the adventures of Joan Wilder and Jack Colton as they search for a mystical jewel. The film's humour comes from the characters' interactions and the exotic settings.
Fact: The film was shot in Morocco, which provided an authentic backdrop for the adventure. The jewel in the film was inspired by the real-life Hope Diamond.


The Man Who Knew Too Little (1997)
Description: Bill Murray stars as a man who thinks he's participating in an interactive theatre experience, but he's actually caught up in a real spy plot involving a mysterious artefact. The film's comedy stems from the mistaken identity and the absurdity of the situations.
Fact: The film was based on a novel by Robert Farrar Capon. Murray improvised many of his lines, adding to the film's spontaneity.


The Mummy (1999)
Description: This film follows adventurer Rick O'Connell as he inadvertently awakens an ancient Egyptian mummy, leading to a comedic quest for the Book of the Dead. The blend of action, adventure, and slapstick humour makes it a perfect fit for this list.
Fact: The film was originally intended to be much darker, but director Stephen Sommers decided to add more humour to appeal to a broader audience. The mummy's voice was provided by Arnold Vosloo, who also played the role of Imhotep.


National Treasure (2004)
Description: While not strictly a comedy, this film's treasure hunt for the Declaration of Independence is filled with humorous moments, especially with Nicolas Cage's quirky performance. It's the perfect mix of history, adventure, and light-hearted comedy.
Fact: The film's plot was inspired by a real-life treasure hunt for the lost treasure of the Knights Templar. The Freemasons were consulted to ensure the portrayal of their rituals was accurate.


The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement (2004)
Description: While not strictly about an artefact, the film involves a quest for a suitable royal consort, which can be seen as an artefact in the context of royal tradition. The comedy arises from Mia's attempts to navigate royal life.
Fact: The film was shot in Los Angeles, with some scenes filmed at the real-life Greystone Mansion. The character of Viscount Mabrey was inspired by real-life royal figures.


The Pink Panther (2006)
Description: While primarily a comedy, this film involves the pursuit of the Pink Panther diamond, which leads to a series of hilarious mishaps. Steve Martin's portrayal of Inspector Clouseau adds to the film's comedic value.
Fact: The film is a reboot of the original series starring Peter Sellers. The Pink Panther diamond is a fictional gem, but its name was inspired by the cartoon character.


The Adventures of Tintin (2011)
Description: This animated film follows Tintin as he uncovers a model ship that leads to a treasure hunt. The film's humour comes from the characters' interactions and the slapstick adventures they encounter.
Fact: The film was directed by Steven Spielberg and Peter Jackson, combining their talents to bring the beloved comic book series to life. The motion capture technology used was groundbreaking at the time.


The Lost City (2022)
Description: A romance novelist and her cover model are thrust into an adventure to find a lost city and its treasure. The film's comedic tone comes from the characters' fish-out-of-water situations and their dynamic banter.
Fact: The film was shot in the Dominican Republic, providing a lush backdrop for the adventure. Sandra Bullock and Channing Tatum, who star in the film, have great chemistry, which adds to the comedic elements.
