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July 27, 2026Sources cited
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National Treasure

National Treasure is a 2004 American action-adventure heist film directed by Jon Turteltaub and released by Walt Disney Pictures.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

National Treasure is a 2004 American action-adventure heist film directed by Jon Turteltaub and released by Walt Disney Pictures. Starring Nicolas Cage as historian and codebreaker Benjamin Franklin Gates, it follows a quest to find a hidden treasure linked to the Declaration of Independence. The film received mixed reviews but was a commercial success and launched a franchise.

Plot premise

The story follows historian and cryptologist Benjamin Franklin Gates as he races to locate a hidden treasure before rival treasure hunters. The search involves clues from the Declaration of Independence and other historical artifacts.

Production

National Treasure was directed by Jon Turteltaub and produced by Jerry Bruckheimer for Walt Disney Pictures. The screenplay is credited to Jim Kouf, Cormac Wibberley, and Marianne Wibberley.

Reception

The film was described as a commercial success despite mixed critical reviews. It performed strongly enough at the box office to become a franchise starter.

Franchise

National Treasure was followed by National Treasure: Book of Secrets in 2007. The film remains the first entry in the National Treasure franchise.

Key facts

  • The film centers on Benjamin Franklin Gates, who searches for a legendary treasure tied to American history.
  • A major plot element is a clue hidden on the back of the United States Declaration of Independence.
  • The film was released in the United States on November 19, 2004.
  • It grossed about $347 million worldwide.
  • Its success led to the sequel National Treasure: Book of Secrets in 2007.
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Canadian context

National Treasure was released in Canada as part of its North American theatrical rollout and remains familiar to Canadian audiences through television and streaming distribution.

Frequently asked questions

What is National Treasure about?
It follows Benjamin Franklin Gates as he searches for a legendary treasure using clues tied to American founding documents and symbols.
Who directed National Treasure?
The film was directed by Jon Turteltaub.
When was National Treasure released?
It was released on November 19, 2004.
Who stars in National Treasure?
The film stars Nicolas Cage, Diane Kruger, Justin Bartha, Sean Bean, Harvey Keitel, Jon Voight, and Christopher Plummer.
Was National Treasure a success?
Yes. It grossed about $347 million worldwide and was successful enough to launch a sequel.
Is National Treasure based on a true story?
No. It is a fictional adventure film, although it uses real historical symbols and documents as story elements.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Treasure_(film)
    Supports: Basic film identification, release date, cast, plot premise, box office, sequel
  2. Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/national_treasure
    Supports: Genre, release date, runtime, synopsis, rating
  3. AllMovie — https://www.allmovie.com/movie/national-treasure-am7381
    Supports: Director, producers, writers, cast, franchise status, plot premise
  4. Disney Movies — https://movies.disney.com/national-treasure
    Supports: Official studio description, release date, genre, cast
  5. Harvard Declaration Resources — https://declaration.fas.harvard.edu/blog/facts-nationaltreasure
    Supports: Creative credits and production context
  6. Mental Floss — https://www.mentalfloss.com/entertainment/movies/facts-about-national-treasure-movie-nicolas-cage
    Supports: Release context, audience response, general reception