National Treasure (2004)
A thrilling adventure where one man must steal America's most sacred document to protect a centuries-old secret.
National Treasure - Movie Information
- Original Title: National Treasure
- Release Year: 2004
- Directed by: Jon Turteltaub
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Adventure, Action, Thriller, Mystery
- Age Rating (US): PG
- Runtime: 2h 11m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: Latin, English, Spanish
- Release Date (Theatrical): November 19, 2004 (Philippines), November 19, 2004 (United States - PG), December 26, 2004 (United Kingdom - PG), November 25, 2004 (Germany - 12), December 22, 2004 (France - TP), January 21, 2005 (India), November 25, 2004 (Australia - PG), December 31, 2004 (Brazil - 12), December 30, 2004 (Mexico - B), December 7, 2004 (Italy), December 3, 2004 (Spain - APTA), December 31, 2004 (South Korea - 12)
- Alternative Titles: Trésor National (CA), National Treasure 1 (US), Sokrovishche natsii (RU), La búsqueda (National Treasure) (ES), Benjamin Gates (1) et le trésor des templiers (FR), Sonomo (PH), 驚天奪寶 (HK), El tesoro perdido 1 (MX)
- Production Companies: Walt Disney Pictures, Jerry Bruckheimer Films, Saturn Films, Junction Entertainment
- Production Countries: United States of America
National Treasure - Plot
Modern treasure hunters, led by archaeologist Ben Gates, search for a chest of riches rumored to have been stashed away by George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin during the Revolutionary War. The chest's whereabouts may lie in secret clues embedded in the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence, and Gates is in a race to find the gold before his enemies do.
National Treasure - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the high-stakes adventure unfold:
In order to break the code, one man will have to break all the rules.
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National Treasure - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Jon Turteltaub
Main Cast
- Nicolas Cage
- Diane Kruger
- Justin Bartha
- Sean Bean
- Jon Voight
- Harvey Keitel
- Christopher Plummer
- David Dayan Fisher
- Stewart Finlay-McLennan
- Oleg Taktarov
Writers
- Cormac Wibberley
- Jim Kouf
- Marianne Wibberley
- Charles Segars
- Oren Aviv
Producers
- Jon Turteltaub
- Jerry Bruckheimer
National Treasure - FAQs
What is National Treasure about?
National Treasure follows Ben Gates, an archaeologist obsessed with a legendary Founding Fathers treasure. When his partner turns villain, Ben must steal the Declaration of Independence to decode its hidden clues before the bad guys do. It's a fast-paced mix of history, puzzles, and chase sequences that keeps you hooked throughout.
Why does Ben Gates steal the Declaration of Independence?
Ben steals the Declaration not to keep it, but to protect it — and to read an invisible map on its back before his treacherous partner Ian Howe can. It's a desperate move driven by the belief that the only way to safeguard the document is to take it himself.
Where can you stream National Treasure?
You can stream National Treasure on Disney+. It's also available to rent or buy on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home if you prefer a digital purchase.
Is National Treasure based on a true story?
Not exactly. The film is fictional, but it weaves real historical figures — George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin — and genuine landmarks like the Declaration of Independence and the Liberty Bell into its adventure. The Freemason mythology and treasure legends it draws on are rooted in real folklore, even if the plot itself is invented.
Who are the main actors in National Treasure?
Nicolas Cage leads the cast as the determined Ben Gates, with Diane Kruger as archivist Abigail Chase and Justin Bartha as the comic-relief sidekick Riley Poole. Sean Bean plays the villain Ian Howe, while Jon Voight, Harvey Keitel, and Christopher Plummer round out an impressive supporting lineup.
Is National Treasure suitable for kids and families?
Absolutely. National Treasure is rated PG, making it a great pick for family movie night. The action is exciting but not graphic, and the historical puzzle-solving angle gives it an educational edge that parents tend to appreciate alongside the adventure.
How well did National Treasure perform at the box office?
National Treasure was a major commercial hit. Made on a $100 million budget, it earned around $347 million worldwide — a strong return that proved audiences loved the blend of history and action. Its success led directly to the 2007 sequel, National Treasure: Book of Secrets.
Are there similar movies to National Treasure?
If you enjoyed National Treasure, check out its sequel National Treasure: Book of Secrets, or the globe-trotting adventure Uncharted (2022). Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull offers a similar mix of history and action, while Romancing the Stone is a classic treasure-hunt romp well worth revisiting.
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