Indiana Jones is an archaeologist and adventurer who was hired by the U.S. government to find the Ark of the Covenant before the Nazis. He traveled to various locations around the world, battling Nazis and other enemies along the way. He eventually found the Ark and returned it to America.
Here are 16 of the best archaeological thriller movies like Indiana Jones:
1. Journey To The Center Of The Earth (2008)
Where to watch: Netflix, Prime Video
Despite its ludicrous elements, Journey to the Center of the Earth is a fantastic action/adventure family film. Despite the fact that it doesn’t have any particularly stunning aspects in terms of story or visuals, the overall narrative is entertaining and suitable for a younger audience.
With a basic and familiar narrative, some humor may be discovered. While the sequel to this film was considerably worse, Journey to the Center of the Earth is a fantastic film that many older Indiana Jones fans will be able to enjoy with their children.
2. Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)
Where to watch: YouTube (Buy or Rent)
Raiders of the Lost Ark is the film that started it all. This classic follows archaeologist Indiana Jones as he battles Nazis to find the Ark of the Covenant before they do.
This movie is one of the best examples of an archaeological thriller, and it set the standard for the genre. It’s full of action, adventure, and suspense, and it’s still just as enjoyable today as it was when it was first released.
3. King Solomon’s Mines (1985)
Where to watch: Prime Video, MX Player
This classic adventure film is based on the novel of the same name by H. Rider Haggard. It tells the story of a group of adventurers who travel to Africa in search of the lost treasure of King Solomon.
This film is full of action, adventure, and suspense, and it’s a great alternative to Indiana Jones movies if you’re looking for something a little different. It’s also a bit longer than most Indy movies, so it’s perfect for those who want a more in-depth experience.
4. The Mummy (1999)
Where to watch: Prime Video
The Mummy is a horror-adventure film that follows the story of an ancient mummy who is brought back to life and sets out to destroy the world.
This movie is full of action, adventure, and suspense, and it’s perfect for those who want a bit more of a horror element in their archaeological thrillers. It’s also one of the more visually stunning movies on this list, so it’s definitely worth a watch.
5. National Treasure (2004)
Where to watch: Prime Video
National Treasure is an action-adventure film that follows a group of treasure hunters who attempt to find a lost treasure that is hidden somewhere in America.
This movie is full of action, adventure, and suspense, and it’s perfect for those who want a bit more of a historical element in their archaeological thrillers. It’s also one of the more visually stunning movies on this list, so it’s definitely worth a watch.
6. The Lost City of Z (2016)
Where to watch: Prime Video, Mubi, Netflix
The Lost City of Z is an action-adventure film that follows the story of a group of explorers who travel to the Amazon in search of a lost city.
This movie is full of action, adventure, and suspense, and it’s perfect for those who want a bit more of an exotic element in their archaeological thrillers. It’s also one of the more visually stunning movies on this list, so it’s definitely worth a watch.
7. The Mummy Returns (2001)
Where to watch: Netflix, Amazon Prime
The Mummy Returns is a horror-adventure film that follows the story of an ancient mummy who is brought back to life and sets out to destroy the world.
This movie is full of action, adventure, and suspense, and it’s perfect for those who want a bit more of a horror element in their archaeological thrillers. It’s also one of the more visually stunning movies on this list, so it’s definitely worth a watch.
8. The 13th Warrior (1999)
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
The 13th Warrior is an action-adventure film that follows the story of a group of warriors who are sent to help a village that is being terrorized by an unknown creature.
This movie is full of action, adventure, and suspense, and it’s perfect for those who want a bit more of a fantasy element in their archaeological thrillers. It’s also one of the more visually stunning movies on this list, so it’s definitely worth a watch.
9. The Last Crusade (1989)
Where to watch: Prime Video, YouTube, Apple TV
The Last Crusade is the third and final installment in the Indiana Jones trilogy. In this film, Indiana Jones teams up with his father to search for the Holy Grail.
This movie is full of action, adventure, and suspense, and it’s perfect for those who want a bit more of a religious element in their archaeological thrillers. It’s also one of the more visually stunning movies on this list, so it’s definitely worth a watch.
10. King Solomon’s Mines (1950)
Where to watch: Prime Video
King Solomon’s Mines is an adventure film that follows the story of a group of adventurers who travel to Africa in search of a lost diamond mine.
This movie is full of action, adventure, and suspense, and it’s perfect for those who want a bit more of an exotic element in their archaeological thrillers. It’s also one of the more visually stunning movies on this list, so it’s definitely worth a watch.
11. The African Queen (1951)
Where to watch: Apple TV, YouTube (Buy or Rent)
The African Queen is an adventure film that follows the story of two people who travel down a river in Africa during World War I.
This movie is full of action, adventure, and suspense, and it’s perfect for those who want a bit more of a historical element in their archaeological thrillers. It’s also one of the more visually stunning movies on this list, so it’s definitely worth a watch.
12. Romancing the Stone (1984)
Where to watch: Prime Video
Romancing the Stone is a romantic-adventure film that follows the story of a woman who travels to Colombia in search of a lost treasure.
This movie is full of action, adventure, and suspense, and it’s perfect for those who want a bit more of a romantic element in their archaeological thrillers. It’s also one of the more visually stunning movies on this list, so it’s definitely worth a watch.
13. King Kong (1933)
Where to watch: YouTube (Buy or Rent)
King Kong is a classic monster movie that follows the story of a giant gorilla who is captured and brought to New York City.
This movie is full of action, adventure, and suspense, and it’s perfect for those who want a bit more of a classic monster movie element in their archaeological thrillers. It’s also one of the more visually stunning movies on this list, so it’s definitely worth a watch.
14. The Lost World: Jurassic Park (1997)
Where to watch: Netflix, Amazon Prime
The Lost World: Jurassic Park is the second installment in the Jurassic Park franchise. In this film, a group of scientists travels to an island where they discover that dinosaurs still exist.
This movie is full of action, adventure, and suspense, and it’s perfect for those who want a bit more of a science fiction element in their archaeological thrillers. It’s also one of the more visually stunning movies on this list, so it’s definitely worth a watch.
15. Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984)
Where to watch: Apple TV, YouTube (Buy or Rent)
Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom is the second installment in the Indiana Jones franchise. In this film, Indiana Jones travels to India to find a lost temple.
This movie is full of action, adventure, and suspense, and it’s perfect for those who want a bit more of an Indian element in their archaeological thrillers. It’s also one of the more visually stunning movies on this list, so it’s definitely worth a watch.
16. The Da Vinci Code (2006)
Where to watch: Netflix
The Da Vinci Code is a mystery-thriller film that follows the story of a group of people who uncover a conspiracy involving the Catholic Church.
This movie is full of suspense and mystery, and it’s perfect for those who want a bit more of a religious element in their archaeological thrillers. It’s also one of the more visually stunning movies on this list, so it’s definitely worth a watch.