National Treasure (franchise)

National Treasure
Official franchise logo
Created by
Original workNational Treasure (2004)
OwnerThe Walt Disney Company
Years2004–present
Print publications
Book(s)
  • Changing Tides - A Gates Family Mystery
  • Midnight Ride - A Gates Family Mystery
  • Uncharted - A Gates Family Mystery
  • Westward Bound - A Gates Family Mystery
Films and television
Film(s)
Television seriesNational Treasure: Edge of History (2022–2023)

The National Treasure franchise consists of American historical fiction action-adventures, including two released theatrical films, a prequel book series, and a television series set 20 years after the films. Future installments, notably a third film, have been under consideration for many years. The plot of the films and books centers around the Gates family – treasure hunters who search for and preserve lost valuables from the history of the United States of America – while the TV series references this background and features some common characters.

The first film was a financial success at the box office.[1] While it was met with mixed reviews by critics, who compared the movie unfavorably to Indiana Jones and The Da Vinci Code,[2][3][4][5] audience response was positive, and the film has gained a positive legacy.[6][7] The second film was also met with mixed critical reception, and had specific criticism directed at its use of similar plot devices,[8][9] believability,[10] and pacing.[11] The film was met with positive response from audiences and made significant ticket revenue at the box office, and profit then and from further distribution for The Walt Disney Company.[1][12][13][14]

The television series for Disney+ was developed in the 2020s, releasing globally in mid-December 2022, while a third film has been under discussion for more than ten years.[15][16]

  1. ^ a b Guerrasio, Jason (August 7, 2018). "'National Treasure' franchise director wants to make a third movie, but fears it would only appear on Disney's new streaming service". Business Insider. Archived from the original on March 5, 2021. Retrieved March 29, 2021.
  2. ^ Jha, Subhash K (January 19, 2005). "National Treasure". Syfi.com. Archived from the original on May 31, 2022. Retrieved March 29, 2021.
  3. ^ Thomas, William (January 1, 2000). "National Treasure Review". Empire. Archived from the original on February 7, 2022. Retrieved March 29, 2021.
  4. ^ French, Phillip (December 26, 2004). "National Treasure". The Guardian. Archived from the original on September 9, 2021. Retrieved March 29, 2021.
  5. ^ Berardinelli, James (November 19, 2004). "National Treasure (United States, 2004)". Reel Reviews. Archived from the original on April 13, 2021. Retrieved March 29, 2021.
  6. ^ Rozca, Matthew (July 4, 2019). "Nicolas Cage in "National Treasure" is the ridiculous guilty pleasure America needs today". Salon. Archived from the original on March 26, 2021. Retrieved March 27, 2021.
  7. ^ Fleet, Adam (October 20, 2017). "In Defence Of 'National Treasure': One Of The Best (And Dumbest) Adventure Films Ever Made". Junkee. Archived from the original on September 12, 2022. Retrieved March 27, 2021.
  8. ^ Berardinelli, James (December 21, 2007). "National Treasure: Book of Secrets (United States, 2007)". Reel Reviews. Archived from the original on April 13, 2021. Retrieved March 31, 2021.
  9. ^ Osmond, Andrew (January 2, 2008). "National Treasure: The Book Of Secrets Review". Empire. Archived from the original on September 12, 2022. Retrieved March 29, 2021.
  10. ^ Holz, Adam R. (2007). "National Treasure: Book of Secrets". Plugged In. Archived from the original on May 31, 2022. Retrieved March 29, 2021.
  11. ^ Seitz, Matt Zoller (December 21, 2007). "Racing Aroun the Globe, Solving a History Mystery". The New York Times. Archived from the original on January 26, 2021. Retrieved March 29, 2021.
  12. ^ Mason, Steve (December 22, 2007). "Box Office: National Treasure 2 is Cage's biggest opening ever with $59.2M". Slash Film. Archived from the original on March 6, 2021. Retrieved March 29, 2021.
  13. ^ Orange, B. Alan (January 6, 2008). "Box Office Beat Down: National Treasure Is a Hit with Another $20 Million". MovieWeb. Archived from the original on June 22, 2021. Retrieved March 29, 2021.
  14. ^ Scribner, Herb (September 25, 2020). "Here's why 'National Treasure 3' never happened". Deseret News. Archived from the original on January 13, 2021. Retrieved March 29, 2021.
  15. ^ Cite error: The named reference National Treasure 3_THR was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  16. ^ Cite error: The named reference TV_Deadline was invoked but never defined (see the help page).