Top 10 Ancient Relic Thriller Films

Description: An adventurer searches for the legendary Sunburst, an ancient Incan relic, which leads to a treasure hunt filled with danger and intrigue.

Fact: This film is often cited as an inspiration for the Indiana Jones series, with its protagonist's attire and adventurous spirit mirroring that of the famous archaeologist.

Description: Set in prehistoric times, this film follows a group of early humans on a quest to retrieve fire, which they consider a relic of survival and power.

Fact: The film was one of the first to use a constructed language, Ulam, for the characters' dialogue, adding realism to the prehistoric setting.

Description: In this sequel to "Romancing the Stone," Joan Wilder and Jack Colton search for El Dorado, the legendary city of gold, which is considered an ancient relic of immense value.

Fact: The film was shot in Mexico, and the production faced numerous challenges due to the remote locations, including dealing with local wildlife and harsh weather conditions.

Description: Indiana Jones searches for his father and the Holy Grail, an ancient relic said to grant eternal life. The film combines adventure with historical intrigue, making it a quintessential relic thriller.

Fact: The film was inspired by the 1930s serials, and the character of Indiana Jones was partly based on real-life adventurer Hiram Bingham III. The iconic tank chase was one of the most expensive scenes to shoot.

Description: This film follows adventurer Rick O'Connell as he accidentally awakens an ancient Egyptian priest, Imhotep, whose curse threatens the world. The pursuit of the Book of the Dead, an ancient relic, is central to the plot, making it a perfect fit for this list.

Fact: The film was originally intended to be a direct-to-video release but was upgraded to a theatrical release due to its high production quality. The iconic scarab beetle chase scene was inspired by a real-life scarab beetle's behavior.

Description: This prequel to "The Mummy Returns" focuses on Mathayus, who seeks to overthrow an evil ruler with the help of an ancient relic, the Spear of Osiris.

Fact: Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson's first starring role in a feature film, which helped launch his acting career. The film's setting was inspired by ancient Mesopotamia.

Description: Benjamin Franklin Gates, a treasure hunter, follows clues left by the Founding Fathers to locate a legendary treasure hidden by the Knights Templar. The film revolves around the quest for ancient relics like the Declaration of Independence.

Fact: The film's plot was inspired by the real-life mystery of the Beale ciphers, which are said to encode the location of a treasure. The Library of Congress scenes were shot in the actual Library of Congress, with special permission.

Description: Based on Dan Brown's novel, this film follows symbologist Robert Langdon as he unravels a mystery involving the Holy Grail, which is believed to be an ancient relic with immense power and significance.

Fact: The film was shot in various locations in France and the UK, including the Louvre Museum, where they had to recreate the Mona Lisa for filming. The movie stirred controversy for its portrayal of religious themes.

Description: While not directly about an ancient relic, this film involves Hoodoo rituals and artifacts that are centuries old, creating a thrilling atmosphere of mystery and supernatural elements.

Fact: The film was shot in New Orleans, and the house used in the movie was a real location, adding authenticity to the eerie setting.

Description: A supernatural creature is unleashed from a South American relic, terrorizing the staff of a Chicago museum. The film explores the dangers of ancient artifacts and the unknown powers they might possess.

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