National Treasure 2004
“In order to break the code, one man will have to break all the rules.”
What is National Treasure?
National Treasure follows a group of modern treasure hunters searching for a legendary chest of gold. The film centers on archaeologist Ben Gates, who leads an expedition to locate riches rumored to have been hidden by founding fathers George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Benjamin Franklin during the Revolutionary War period.
- Type
- Film
- Year
- 2004
- Status
- Released
- Runtime
- 131 minutes
- Release date
- Nov 19, 2004
- Original language
- EN
- Origin
- United States of America
- Studios
- Walt Disney Pictures, Jerry Bruckheimer Films, Saturn Films
- Budget
- $100,000,000
- Revenue
- $347,500,000
- Genres
- Adventure, Action, Mystery
- Updated
Where to watch
Stream
Buy
Stream
Stream
Rent
Buy
Stream
Rent
Buy
Stream
Rent
Buy
Stream
Rent
Buy
Stream
Rent
Buy
Stream
Rent
Buy
Stream
Rent
Buy
Stream
Rent
Buy
Stream
Rent
Buy
Stream
Stream
Rent
Buy
Streaming availability data provided by JustWatch via TMDB. Availability changes by country and date; verify on the provider before subscribing or purchasing.
Trailer
Overview
National Treasure follows a group of modern treasure hunters searching for a legendary chest of gold. The film centers on archaeologist Ben Gates, who leads an expedition to locate riches rumored to have been hidden by founding fathers George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Benjamin Franklin during the Revolutionary War period. The treasure's location is believed to be revealed through secret clues concealed within important American historical documents, specifically the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence. Gates finds himself in direct competition with antagonistic forces as he attempts to decode the historical mysteries before others can claim the valuable prize. The story involves a race against time as the protagonists work to interpret the embedded clues while avoiding those who would use the treasure for nefarious purposes. The film combines elements of historical mystery and adventure as characters navigate through puzzles rooted in American founding era documents and revolutionary war history.
Should you watch it?
“A historian races to find a legendary treasure using clues from American founding documents.”
- Engaging historical puzzle with famous landmarks
- Charismatic lead performance by Nicolas Cage
- Predictable plot turns
- Some historical liberties taken
You enjoy action-adventure films with historical themes and light mystery.
Suitable for families; mild tension and peril but no graphic violence or language.
Ask the Vault
Ask anything about National Treasure — answers are spoiler-safe.
Your verdict
Is National Treasure worth watching?
Cast
Frequently asked questions
Is National Treasure based on a book?
No, it is an original screenplay written by Jim Kouf and the Wibberleys.
Where was National Treasure filmed?
Filming took place in various locations including Washington D.C., New York City, and Montreal.
Does the movie show real historical documents?
The film features replicas and recreations of the Declaration of Independence and other documents.
Is National Treasure part of a series?
Yes, it has sequels including National Treasure: Book of Secrets.
What is the main character's motivation?
Ben Gates seeks to prove his family's legacy and clear his name while uncovering hidden history.