

While it was met with mixed reviews by critics, who compared the movie unfavorably to Indiana Jones and The Da Vinci Code, audience response was positive, and the film has gained a positive legacy. The first film was a financial success at the box office.

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. Future installments, notably a third film, have been under consideration for many years. 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.
