National Treasure

National Treasure

Year: 2004

Runtime: 131 min

Language: English

Director: Jon Turteltaub

Budget: $100M

ActionAdventureThriller

A historian discovers a clue to a vast treasure hidden by the Knights Templar centuries ago. He embarks on a thrilling race against a shadowy organization, who are also seeking the fortune. Facing perilous challenges and deciphering historical riddles, he must outwit his adversaries and uncover the long-lost riches before they do.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – National Treasure (2004)

Explore the full timeline and setting of National Treasure (2004). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Present Day, 1974

The film is set in the present day, contrasted with key flashbacks to 1974 that reveal past clues about the treasure. It explores the legacy of treasure hunting through the generations, particularly highlighting the evolution from Benjamin's grandfather's hints to modern-day escapades.

Location

Arctic, Philadelphia, New York City, Boston

The movie spans multiple significant locations, including the Arctic, where a colonial ship is found encased in ice. Philadelphia serves as a critical site for uncovering clues related to Benjamin Franklin's letters and the Liberty Bell. New York City hosts the mysterious Trinity Church, while Boston is linked to the Old North Church, each playing a vital role in the treasure hunt.

🏛️ Historical ⛵ Maritime 🌍 Urban

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:20

Main Characters – National Treasure (2004)

Meet the key characters of National Treasure (2004), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Benjamin Franklin Gates

A passionate historian and aspiring treasure hunter, Benjamin is dedicated to uncovering the hidden national treasure entrusted to his family. He is resourceful, determined, and often faces difficult moral choices. Driven by his family's legacy, he shows resilience even in the face of doubt from others.

💡 Intelligent 🗺️ Adventurous

Riley Poole

As Benjamin's loyal and witty friend, Riley serves as the comic relief in the story while providing crucial support in their treasure hunt. He embodies the spirit of adventure and ingenuity, often coming up with outlandish ideas that help propel the plot. His enthusiasm for the quest is infectious.

😂 Humorous 🔧 Resourceful

Dr. Abigail Chase

A determined and intelligent archivist at the National Archives, Abigail becomes an unexpected ally in the treasure hunt. She is skeptical at first but grows to trust Benjamin, providing critical insights that aid in unraveling the mystery. Abigail balances a professional demeanor with a growing personal connection to Benjamin.

📜 Knowledgeable ❤️ Supportive

Patrick Henry Gates

Benjamin's father, who initially discourages his son from pursuing the family treasure-hunting legacy due to past failures. Over the course of the film, he faces his own doubts and ultimately reconciles with Benjamin's ambitions, helping to support his quest. His evolution reflects themes of belief and acceptance.

👨‍👦 Familial 🎓 Wise

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:20

Major Themes – National Treasure (2004)

Explore the central themes of National Treasure (2004), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🗝️ Adventure

Adventure plays a central theme as Benjamin and his allies embark on a thrilling quest for national treasure. Their journey is filled with perilous situations, cryptic clues, and the pursuit of historical artifacts, capturing the essence of exploration and discovery. The excitement of uncovering buried secrets drives the narrative forward.

🔍 Legacy

The theme of legacy is woven throughout the film, showcasing the weight of familial expectations and the pursuit of a family's long-standing tradition. Benjamin grapples with his heritage and the desire to prove himself within a lineage of treasure hunters, revealing the challenges and motivations that come with legacy.

🤝 Trust

The dynamics of trust are explored through the relationships between the characters, especially between Benjamin, Riley, and Abigail. The film portrays the tension of working with others who may have ulterior motives, ultimately highlighting the importance of loyalty and camaraderie in achieving shared goals.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:20

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Explore Movie Threads

Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

Smart Thrill Races like National Treasure

Where clever heroes use brains over brawn to beat the clock and ruthless rivals.If you loved the clever puzzles and high-stakes chase in National Treasure, explore more movies where intelligence is the key to survival. These stories feature brainy protagonists decoding mysteries in a frantic race against time, blending adventure with intellectual discovery for a uniquely thrilling experience.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern follows a protagonist, often an expert in a specific field, who is thrust into a dangerous situation. Their journey is a linear, escalating sequence of solving one clue or puzzle after another, each step bringing them closer to a goal while simultaneously increasing the peril from pursuing antagonists. The plot structure mimics a treasure map, with clear, sequential checkpoints leading to a final, rewarding destination.

Why These Movies?

Movies are grouped here because they share a core premise: an intellectual challenge as the main source of action and tension. They combine the excitement of a chase with the satisfaction of solving a complex puzzle, creating a specific vibe that is both mentally stimulating and physically thrilling.

Fun Action Quests like National Treasure

Thrilling escapades with daring heroes, narrow escapes, and a feel-good victory.For viewers who enjoyed the exciting escapes and optimistic tone of National Treasure, this collection features similar lighthearted adventures. These movies deliver high-stakes action and thrilling chases while maintaining a buoyant, feel-good atmosphere, ensuring an entertaining experience that doesn't take itself too seriously.

adventurousoptimisticthrillingfast-pacedfeel-goodescapistheroicexciting

Narrative Summary

Stories in this thread follow a classic adventure arc: a clear goal, a series of escalating physical and intellectual challenges, and a charismatic hero who overcomes them with wit and courage. The conflict involves a clear antagonist, but the violence is stylized and not graphic. The emotional journey is straightforward, focusing on the thrill of the quest and culminating in a happy, rewarding ending that resolves all major plot threads positively.

Why These Movies?

These movies are grouped by their unique balance of high-intensity action with a light emotional core. They provide the excitement of a thriller but avoid dark, disturbing, or deeply sad themes. The shared vibe is one of pure, adventurous fun, making them ideal for an engaging yet uplifting watch.

Unlock the Full Story of National Treasure

Don't stop at just watching — explore National Treasure in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what National Treasure is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

National Treasure Summary

Read a complete plot summary of National Treasure, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

National Treasure Summary

National Treasure Timeline

Track the full timeline of National Treasure with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

National Treasure Timeline

National Treasure Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of National Treasure that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

National Treasure Spoiler-Free Summary

More About National Treasure

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about National Treasure: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About National Treasure

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