National Treasure is a 2004 adventure movie directed by Jon Turteltaub. The movie stars Nicolas Cage as Ben Gates, a historian and treasure hunter in pursuit of lost treasure that was hidden during the Revolutionary War. He and his friend, computer expert Riley Poole (Justin Bartha), join a team in the arctic in pursuit of the next clue, which happens to be a treasure map on the Declaration of Independence. When their disgruntled teammate Ian (Sean Bean) betrays them, Ben decides the only way to prevent Ian from getting the treasure is to get it first, by stealing the Declaration.

Critics praised the action and performances, but largely disliked the movie. However, it was a huge hit with audiences, prompting a sequel three years later. Now, 18 years later, there is even an upcoming Disney+ TV series, and appreciation for the franchise is still high. A frequently memed and quoted movie, National Treasure is a beloved film, and is one of the greatest adventure films ever. Yes, the movie is ridiculous and cheesy, but it’s great fun, and also features clever clues and a strong cast. Here’s why it’s one of the best adventure movies.

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Clever Riddles and Clues

     Buena Vista Pictures

Similar to the Indiana Jones films, the treasure hunt is based around finding a clue that needs to be solved in order to find the next one. After obtaining the Declaration, a cipher is revealed, referencing Benjamin Franklin’s Silence Dogood letters. The letters then lead them to Independence Hall, and so on. The clues aren’t simple; Riley even laments over why things can’t just say, “go to this place, here’s the treasure, spend it wisely.” Instead, each clue is a complex riddle that requires a deep knowledge of history to decipher. Once the clues start, you’re fully drawn into the adventure, breathless for the next one, until the treasure is found. The riddles also elevate the movie beyond being a simple treasure hunt; the characters really have to work for it, and it’s great fun watching them cleverly figure the riddles out, no matter how outrageous they are.

Interesting History and Historic Places

Though a lot of the history is inaccurate or embellished, some of the plot is actually inspired by true, little-known events in history. It lends a small bit of credulity to the movie, and though it still doesn’t have much accuracy, that isn’t the point here. The movie’s greatness comes not from questioning each detail’s accuracy, but from enjoying the epic adventure created by threading together various pieces of American history.

In addition, the central point of an adventure movie is the adventure. National Treasure fully delivers on this, with a breathless adventure through historic American landmarks. We see characters go to the arctic; infiltrate the National Archives Museum in an elaborately suspenseful heist sequence; chase each other through Philadelphia; and descend into the darkness below Trinity Church. The movie fully captures the atmosphere of American history by taking us to all these places. You want to be part of the adventure and go on the journey with the characters. It also keeps the action going, as the characters must race to the next spot for the next clue.

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Great Sense of Humor

The movie also has fun with its wild concept, and has great humor throughout. There’s a funny scene as Ben and Riley try to explain the map to Dr. Abigail Chase (Diane Kruger), archivist at the National Archives. As they tell their story, Riley remarks at each point where all the other federal organizations gave up on them. There’s another tongue-in-cheek moment when Ben, after stealing the Declaration, is stopped by a cashier in the Archives gift shop, and made to pay for the Declaration, which she thinks is the shop’s replica. Another great scene is when everyone is on the run from Ian’s henchmen, and Abigail hides behind a meat counter. She pretends she’s hiding from her husband, and the woman working takes one look at a bald henchman and tells her to stay as long as she likes. There are also many hilarious one-liners, most from Riley. The humor breaks up the tension and makes it fun, which is an important part of any great adventure movie. All the challenges and jokes about the struggle make finding the treasure that much more rewarding and exciting for the characters and the viewers.

Excellent Performances

With a plot that often seems unbelievable, the cast really carries the movie and invests you. What could have been a nonsensical adventure actually takes shape and becomes memorable in the hands of such a talented cast. Kruger as Abigail provides much-needed logic and also contributes her vast knowledge of history. Jon Voight as Ben’s father, Patrick, brings additional family drama and tension as they reconnect. Bartha makes Riley the funniest character, as he rolls his eyes at all the puzzle and clue nonsense, and questions his friend’s excessive knowledge of history – though he does have a great moment where he knows something about history that Ben and Abigail don’t. Cage holds the movie together, and truly makes every bit of the wild story seem real. The movie wouldn’t work without him; he fully believes in the treasure hunt and the conspiracy theories behind it, and he makes you believe too. The chemistry between everyone is great, bickering back and forth and bouncing clues off each other. The group is so fun and endearing that you would follow them on any adventure, and helps make National Treasure one of the best adventure movies ever.