I suspect Big Bang Theory would have been easy to use as a theme. Popular show, lots of gimmicks in the show which would have translated to artwork/action on the playfield. Licensing would have been a bear ...

Unless mentioned previously, there is a whole 'indiana jones' type genre with lots of other stories that made pretty good movies for their target audience:

About 5 years ago, The Librarian, a time-travelling hunt for artifacts, somewhat know actors, multiple location/theme possibilities. (NoahW/RRomjin)
About 10 years ago, Warehouse 13, as it was fairly colorful in scenery, again mostly B-round actors, was based on search for historical artifacts.
About 15 years ago, National Treasure, as it was again an action search for historical artifacts, and had B-round actors (sorry nick cage)
About 15 years ago, Sahara, action adventure, had Matt McC, Steve Vaugh and Penelope Cruz. Lost gold stuff. Starts in last century, lots of story sequences.
About 20 years ago, Relic Hunter, similiar story, a young Tia Carrera.

Each of these could have been easily adapted using any of the story lines to drive the rules and lots of recognizable toys/gimmicks on the playfield.