If you’re a fan of the action-packed, humor-filled 1999 blockbuster The Mummy starring Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz, you’re probably always on the lookout for more movies that capture the same sense of adventure, thrills, and fun. The Mummy follows a dashing legionnaire named Rick O’Connell who teams up with an intelligent Egyptologist named Evelyn to battle against the resurrected mummy Imhotep. It’s an iconic adventure film that spawned multiple sequels.
While The Mummy is a classic in its own right, there are plenty of other movies out there with similar themes, tones, and excitement that are sure to satisfy your craving for globe-trotting, treasure-hunting, monster-fighting fun. Here’s a look at 17 of the best movies like The Mummy to add to your watchlist.
1. The Mummy Returns (2001)
The most obvious choice for a movie like The Mummy is its own sequel, The Mummy Returns. Released in 2001, this film brings back the beloved trio of Rick O’Connell (Brendan Fraser), Evelyn Carnahan (Rachel Weisz), and her brother Jonathan (John Hannah) for another Egyptian supernatural adventure. This time, they must prevent the resurrected mummy Imhotep (Arnold Vosloo) and the powerful Scorpion King (Dwayne Johnson in his film debut) from conquering the world.
The Mummy Returns has everything that made the first movie great – action, humor, romance, scary monsters, and an epic quest – just bigger and more ambitious. From a double-decker bus chase through London to a climactic battle in an ancient oasis, the sequel delivers one thrill after another. It also expands the mythology with the addition of the Scorpion King and his army of Anubis warriors. While not quite as fresh as the original, The Mummy Returns is a worthy follow-up that’s tons of fun.
2. The Scorpion King (2002)
The Scorpion King is a spin-off/prequel to The Mummy Returns that focuses on the origins of Mathayus of Akkad, aka the Scorpion King, played by Dwayne Johnson in his first lead role. Set 5000 years before the events of The Mummy, the movie follows Mathayus as he is hired to assassinate the warlord Memnon (Steven Brand) and his sorcerer Cassandra (Kelly Hu). But when Mathayus develops feelings for Cassandra, he finds himself caught between his mission and his heart.
The Scorpion King has a lighter, more comedic tone than The Mummy movies, leaning into The Rock’s natural charisma. It’s a breezy, entertaining sword-and-sandal adventure with plenty of action and laughs. The ancient Egyptian setting, desert locales, and supernatural elements make it a good companion piece to The Mummy franchise. While it’s not a cinematic masterpiece, The Scorpion King is an enjoyable popcorn flick anchored by The Rock’s star power.
3. Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (2001)
Lara Croft: Tomb Raider stars Angelina Jolie as the iconic video game heroine Lara Croft, a skilled archaeologist and adventurer. When Lara discovers an ancient artifact linked to her missing father, she embarks on a globe-spanning quest to recover the two halves of a powerful triangle before the evil Illuminati can harness its power. Her journey takes her from tomb raiding in Cambodia to a climactic showdown in an icy Russian cave.
Like The Mummy, Lara Croft: Tomb Raider features a strong, intelligent female protagonist, ancient mysteries, traps-filled temples, and a race against evil forces to secure a powerful artifact. Angelina Jolie is perfectly cast as Lara Croft, bringing the right mix of athleticism, sex appeal, and dry wit to the role. The action scenes are exciting and the locations are exotic. While the plot is a bit thin and contrived, Tomb Raider is still a fun, fast-paced adventure anchored by a magnetic star performance.
4. Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003)
On the surface, a movie about pirates may not seem to have much in common with The Mummy. But Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl shares a similar sense of action, adventure, supernatural horror, and humor. The movie stars Johnny Depp as the eccentric pirate Captain Jack Sparrow who teams up with blacksmith Will Turner (Orlando Bloom) to rescue the kidnapped Elizabeth Swann (Keira Knightley) from the cursed crew of the Black Pearl led by Captain Barbossa (Geoffrey Rush).
Like Imhotep and his mummified minions, the pirates of the Black Pearl are undead monsters, cursed after stealing Aztec gold. The movie blends swashbuckling action and adventure with horror elements, much like The Mummy‘s mix of gunslinging and shambling corpses. Johnny Depp’s Oscar-nominated performance as Jack Sparrow is as iconic as Brendan Fraser’s turn as Rick O’Connell – both are charming rogues with great comic timing. From skeleton pirates in the moonlight to exciting swordfights to a grand score, Pirates is a rollicking good time.
5. Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984)
The Indiana Jones movies are in many ways the template for the action-adventure genre that The Mummy follows. Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, the second film in the franchise, is especially notable for its darker tone, supernatural elements, and exotic locales. Set before the events of Raiders of the Lost Ark, the movie finds Indy (Harrison Ford) in India where he stumbles upon an evil Thuggee cult practicing child slavery, black magic, and ritual human sacrifice.
Like The Mummy, Temple of Doom features an intrepid archaeologist hero battling against ancient evil. There are bug-filled tunnels, trap-triggered temples, daring escapes, and magical artifacts. The film also has a strong female lead in Willie Scott (Kate Capshaw) and a fun sidekick in Short Round (Ke Huy Quan). While Temple of Doom was criticized at the time for being too dark and violent compared to Raiders, it’s still an exciting entry in the Indiana Jones saga with thrilling set-pieces and memorable performances.
6. The Jungle Book (2016)
At first glance, Disney’s live-action/CGI remake of The Jungle Book might not seem to have much in common with The Mummy. But this visually stunning adaptation of Rudyard Kipling’s classic tales is an adventure story at heart, following young Mowgli (Neel Sethi) as he journeys through the jungle, encountering various animal friends and foes. The movie features thrilling action, moments of peril and wonder, and a sense of discovery that echoes The Mummy‘s tomb-raiding sequences.
The Jungle Book boasts an all-star voice cast including Bill Murray, Ben Kingsley, Idris Elba, Lupita Nyong’o, Scarlett Johansson, Giancarlo Esposito, and Christopher Walken. The CGI animals are remarkably lifelike and expressive. From the terrifying tiger Shere Khan to the mesmerizing snake Kaa to the rambunctious King Louie, these talking creatures guide Mowgli on his quest to find his place in the world. At times funny, scary, and heartwarming, The Jungle Book is a beautifully crafted adventure.
7. Journey to the Center of the Earth (2008)
Loosely based on the Jules Verne novel of the same name, Journey to the Center of the Earth is a fun, family-friendly adventure that packs in humor, thrills, and fantastical sights. The movie stars Brendan Fraser (of Mummy fame) as volcanologist Trevor Anderson who discovers that his late brother’s novel about a journey to the Earth’s core was actually a non-fiction account. Trevor embarks on his own subterranean expedition with his nephew Sean (Josh Hutcherson) and Icelandic guide Hannah (Anita Briem).
Journey to the Center of the Earth shares The Mummy‘s mix of action, comedy, and wonder. As the trio ventures underground, they encounter glowing birds, luminescent plants, giant mushrooms, vicious dinosaurs, and magnetic floating rocks. The movie makes great use of its 3D effects to immerse the audience in this hidden world. Brendan Fraser’s natural charm and comic timing are put to good use, even if his character is a bit bland compared to Rick O’Connell. Overall, Journey is an entertaining, old-fashioned adventure romp.
8. National Treasure (2004)
National Treasure stars Nicolas Cage as Benjamin Franklin Gates, a historian and treasure hunter who believes that the U.S. Declaration of Independence contains a coded map to a vast Templar/Freemason treasure. When a rival treasure hunter (Sean Bean) threatens to steal the Declaration, Gates decides to swipe it first in order to protect it and unravel its secrets. Joined by archivist Abigail Chase (Diane Kruger) and his sidekick Riley (Justin Bartha), Gates embarks on a quest to find the treasure and prove his family’s long-ridiculed theories.
Like The Mummy, National Treasure is a fun, fast-paced adventure with a charming rogue protagonist, an intelligent female lead, mysteries, riddles, and a race against nefarious forces to uncover ancient secrets. The movie gleefully plays with American history and mythology, spinning a Da Vinci Code-esque yarn about the Founding Fathers. While the plot stretches credulity, it’s so entertaining that you won’t care. Nicolas Cage brings his signature quirky intensity to the role, and the supporting cast is great. If you enjoy the historical puzzle-solving of The Mummy, you’ll get a kick out of National Treasure.
9. Romancing the Stone (1984)
Romancing the Stone is a romantic adventure comedy that follows lonely romance novelist Joan Wilder (Kathleen Turner) as she travels to Colombia to ransom her kidnapped sister. There she meets roguish bird exporter Jack Colton (Michael Douglas) who agrees to help her in exchange for a cut of the ransom: an enormous emerald called El Corazon (“The Heart”). The two embark on a perilous trek through the Colombian jungle, battling criminals, dodging mudslides, and gradually falling in love.
Romancing the Stone was a major box office hit that revitalized the romantic adventure genre. Like The Mummy, it’s a fun, fast-paced escapade with equal parts action, comedy, and romance. Kathleen Turner and Michael Douglas have fantastic chemistry, trading barbs and smoldering looks. Danny DeVito is hilarious as a bumbling, greedy criminal. The Colombian locations are lush and exotic. And the plot, while formulaic, zips along breathlessly. If you enjoy the banter and sexual tension between Rick and Evelyn in The Mummy, you’ll love the sparks that fly between Joan and Jack.
10. Hidalgo (2004)
Hidalgo is a fictionalized account of the life of Frank Hopkins (Viggo Mortensen), a legendary long-distance rider and his mustang Hidalgo. After witnessing the massacre at Wounded Knee, a disillusioned Hopkins travels to Arabia to compete in the Ocean of Fire, a deadly 3,000-mile horse race across the Najd desert. With the help of his trusty steed and a beautiful Arabian princess (Zuleikha Robinson), Hopkins faces treacherous terrain, scheming rivals, and his own self-doubts.
Like The Mummy, Hidalgo is an old-fashioned adventure yarn set against an exotic backdrop of desert sands and ancient wonders. Viggo Mortensen brings quiet charisma to his portrayal of Frank Hopkins, a haunted cowboy in search of redemption and purpose. Omar Sharif classes up the proceedings as a noble sheikh. The grueling race across the unforgiving desert is thrillingly realized, and the depiction of Bedouin culture is colorful and respectful. Hidalgo is a rousing, if occasionally cheesy, ode to the enduring bond between man and horse.
11. The Extraordinary Adventures of Adèle Blanc-Sec (2010)
The Extraordinary Adventures of Adèle Blanc-Sec is a delightfully quirky French adventure comedy set in 1912 Paris. The movie stars Louise Bourgoin as the titular heroine, a feisty novelist and journalist who embarks on a quest to find a mummy and resurrect it in order to heal her comatose sister. Along the way she tangles with occult societies, bumbling cops, a revived pterodactyl, and a dastardly nemesis.
Directed by Luc Besson (The Fifth Element), Adèle Blanc-Sec is a visually sumptuous, gleefully anachronistic romp that mixes Indiana Jones-style adventure with Amelie-esque whimsy. Louise Bourgoin is wonderful as the intrepid, quick-witted Adèle, rocking a killer wardrobe and unflappable attitude. The Belle Epoque Paris setting is lovingly recreated, and the CGI creatures are used sparingly but effectively. Like The Mummy, Adèle Blanc-Sec balances action, laughs, and supernatural weirdness. It’s a charming French confection with crossover appeal.
12. The Phantom (1996)
Based on the long-running comic strip hero, The Phantom stars Billy Zane as Kit Walker, the 21st in a line of purple-suited African crimefighters known as “The Phantom”. When a power-mad businessman (Treat Williams) seeks to obtain the legendary Skulls of Touganda, which grant immense power to whoever possesses all three, The Phantom teams up with an old flame (Kristy Swanson) and her plucky niece to stop him.
The Phantom is an old-school pulp adventure in the vein of The Rocketeer or Dick Tracy, with a square-jawed hero, an Art Deco-meets-jungle aesthetic, and cheerfully corny dialogue. Billy Zane is well-cast as the dashing, wry Phantom, even if his costume looks a bit silly in live-action. Treat Williams chews the scenery with gusto as the villain. The globetrotting plot takes us from the jungle to New York City to a cave of creepy skulls, delivering cliffhanger thrills along the way. The Phantom may not be a classic, but it’s a breezy, colorful throwback to a simpler era of hero storytelling.
13. The Rundown (2003)
The Rundown (released internationally as Welcome to the Jungle) stars Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson in one of his earliest lead roles as Beck, a “retrieval expert” sent to the Amazon to bring back his boss’s wayward son Travis (Seann William Scott). The two mismatched men must join forces to combat the ruthless owner of a gold mining operation (Christopher Walken) and find a priceless treasure called El Gato.
The Rundown is an immensely entertaining blend of action, comedy, and adventure that makes the most of The Rock’s abundant charisma and physical prowess. The banter between Johnson and Scott is funny and engaging, like an amped-up version of the Rick O’Connell/Jonathan dynamic in The Mummy. Christopher Walken is brilliantly bizarre as the villain. The lush Hawaiian and California locations sub for the Amazon. Best of all, the action scenes are inventive and hard-hitting, including a fight with tribal warriors and a knockdown brawl in the middle of a collapsing rope bridge. For fans of The Rock’s more recent jungle adventures in Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle and Jungle Cruise, The Rundown is a must-see.
14. The Mask of Zorro (1998)
The Mask of Zorro is a swashbuckling adventure set in early 19th century California. An aging Zorro (Anthony Hopkins) trains a young thief named Alejandro (Antonio Banderas) to become his successor and foil the evil schemes of the tyrant Don Rafael Montero (Stuart Wilson). Along the way, Alejandro romances Montero’s beautiful daughter Elena (Catherine Zeta-Jones).
Like The Mummy, The Mask of Zorro is a fun, old-fashioned adventure with charismatic leads, exciting swordplay, a sweeping score, and a touch of romance. Antonio Banderas brings roguish charm and athleticism to the role of Zorro. Anthony Hopkins classes up the proceedings as his mentor. And Catherine Zeta-Jones is a fiery, feisty love interest. The California setting is lushly photographed, and the story blends real history with pulp mythology. It’s a delightful throwback to the adventure films of Hollywood’s Golden Age.
15. Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle (2017)
Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle is a sequel to the 1995 Robin Williams adventure film, but with a clever modern twist. When four high school students discover an old video game console, they are magically transported into the world of Jumanji, inhabiting the bodies of their chosen avatars (played by Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart, Jack Black, and Karen Gillan). To escape the game, they must work together to complete a perilous quest.
Like The Mummy, Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle is a fun, effects-driven adventure with equal parts action, comedy, and heart. Dwayne Johnson is perfectly cast as the muscular, smoldering hero, showcasing his underrated comic chops. Kevin Hart and Jack Black provide big laughs. And Karen Gillan kicks butt as the avatar of an insecure teenage girl. The jungle setting allows for all manner of exciting set pieces and animal encounters. It’s a clever, crowd-pleasing update of a family favorite.
16. Around the World in 80 Days (2004)
Loosely based on the classic Jules Verne novel, the 2004 version of Around the World in 80 Days is a light-hearted adventure comedy starring Jackie Chan and Steve Coogan. Chan plays Passepartout, a Chinese thief who becomes the valet to eccentric London inventor Phileas Fogg (Coogan). Fogg makes a bet with a rival that he can circumnavigate the globe in 80 days, so he and Passepartout embark on a madcap journey via boat, train, hot air balloon, and more.
Like The Mummy, Around the World in 80 Days is a globe-trotting adventure filled with exotic locales, narrow escapes, and a race against time. Jackie Chan brings his trademark humor and martial arts prowess to the sidekick role. Steve Coogan is amusingly uptight as Fogg. And a cavalcade of celebrity cameos, including Arnold Schwarzenegger and Owen and Luke Wilson, add to the fun. While no classic, it’s a breezy, family-friendly romp.
17. The Adventures of Tintin (2011)
The Adventures of Tintin is a CGI-animated action-adventure based on the beloved Belgian comic book series. Directed by Steven Spielberg, the movie follows intrepid young reporter Tintin (Jamie Bell) and his faithful dog Snowy as they embark on a treasure hunt for a sunken ship commanded by Tintin’s ancestor Sir Francis Haddock. Joining them is the ship’s last living descendant, the bumbling, whiskey-loving Captain Archibald Haddock (Andy Serkis).
The Adventures of Tintin has all the globe-trotting thrills, supernatural mysteries, and good humor of The Mummy, just in animated form. The motion-capture animation is stunning, bringing Hergé’s iconic characters to vivid life. The action scenes are breathlessly inventive, including a single-take chase through a Moroccan city. And the voice cast, which also includes Daniel Craig as the nefarious Ivan Ivanovitch Sakharine, is terrific. It’s a rollicking, visually dazzling adventure that captures the spirit of the classic Tintin comics.
From swashbuckling masked heroes to cursed board games to one-take cartoon chases, this collection of Mummy-esque movies offers excitement, laughs, and a spirit of adventure lovers of the 1999 blockbuster are sure to enjoy. Whether you’re a fan of globe-trotting quests, ancient mysteries, or charismatic adventurers, there’s something here to satisfy your craving for old-fashioned popcorn thrills. Grab some snacks, gather some friends, and embark on a cinematic journey into the unknown. The world of mummies, monsters, and marvels awaits!
