Nicolas Cage is no stranger to streaming success, and this July 2026, one of his most beloved action-adventure films is proving its timeless appeal. National Treasure, the 2004 treasure-hunt romp that pits Cage's historian Benjamin Gates against a ruthless crime boss, has surged to the top of Hulu's most-watched movies in the U.S. It's a testament to the film's enduring charm—and a reminder that sometimes, audiences know best.
Directed by Jon Turteltaub, National Treasure follows Gates as he deciphers clues left by the Founding Fathers to uncover a legendary hidden fortune. Along the way, he outruns the villainous Ian Howe (Sean Bean) and teams up with a resourceful archivist (Diane Kruger) and his tech-savvy sidekick (Justin Bartha). The film blends history, mystery, and pulse-pounding action, earning comparisons to the Indiana Jones franchise—but with a distinctly American twist.
Critics were initially lukewarm on the film, but audiences embraced it wholeheartedly. That enthusiasm translated into a massive box office haul: National Treasure grossed $331 million worldwide against a $100 million budget, with $173 million coming from domestic theaters alone. Its six-month theatrical run proved that word-of-mouth could turn a so-so critical reception into a bona fide hit.
Now, more than two decades later, the film is enjoying a new wave of popularity on Hulu. Streaming data shows that viewers are rediscovering—or discovering for the first time—the thrill of Cage's treasure-hunting escapades. It's a perfect summer binge for fans of sci-fi adventure movies and classic action flicks.
Could a Third 'National Treasure' Finally Happen?
Rumors of a third National Treasure film have circulated for years, with fans eagerly awaiting a follow-up to 2007's National Treasure: Book of Secrets. In 2024, Cage himself cast doubt on the project, stating bluntly that "there is no National Treasure 3." But hope has been rekindled: legendary producer Jerry Bruckheimer revealed earlier this year that the threequel is "coming along quite well," with a screenplay already in development. He shared the update while attending the Producers' Guild Awards, sparking fresh excitement among fans.
Disney+ attempted to revive the franchise with the series National Treasure: Edge of History, but the show was canceled after a single season due to lackluster reception. Still, the original film's streaming resurgence suggests that audiences are hungry for more of Cage's charismatic treasure hunter.
For those craving more Cage action, his latest project Spider-Noir—a live-action spin-off of the Spider-Verse films—is also a streaming hit on Prime Video. And if you're looking for other under-the-radar thrillers, check out this BBC cop drama 'Blue Lights' that's becoming a streaming obsession.
National Treasure is streaming now on Hulu. Stay tuned to ShowtimeSpot for more streaming updates and entertainment news.
