National Treasure2004National Treasure
2004
Ben Gates comes from a long line of treasure hunters searching for a fortune hidden by the Founding Fathers. When the next clue points to an invisible map on the back of the Declaration of Independence, Ben races to protect the document from a ruthless former partner who will stop at nothing to get it.
For children old enough to talk it through: sustained intensity, or language or sexual content that Common Sense Media rates 7–9.
Why it’s here
A treasure hunt through the Declaration of Independence, Independence Hall, and the Founders' riddles that sends kids running to history books. A son and his skeptical father reconcile along the way.
Context notes
For parents, before you press play.
Gunplay and chases, two glimpses of frozen corpses, and a villain who falls to his death, which may startle little ones. The hero steals the Declaration to protect it and the film treats the theft as justified, so it's worth talking about ends and means.
National Treasure (2004)
Discussion questions
When the credits end, go around the room. Each person gives the film a score out of ten and says why.
- Was it right for Ben to steal the Declaration? Why did he think he had to?
- Why didn't Ben's father want him to keep searching?
- What did you learn about the Founders that you didn't know?
- How was Ian different from Ben?
Content advisory
Common Sense Media 9+: gunplay, chases, explosions, frozen corpses, and a fatal fall, no blood; social drinking; a kiss.
Trailer
Best edition
The disc comes first.
National Treasure Blu-ray (Collector's Edition)
Blu-ray · May 20, 2008
4K UHD announced for 2026-11-10
Coming later
Where to stream
Streaming services are not listed yet. When they are, this note stays secondary to the disc.