There are few characters in the history of film that have the instant brand recognition of Steven Spielberg's iconic archaeologist hero, Indiana Jones. Spielberg, along with star Harrison Ford and writer George Lucas, achieved something remarkable when they collaborated on the now-iconic 1981 adventure film Raiders of the Lost Ark. This film paid homage to the classic adventure serials of the 1930s while bringing a fresh perspective to the world of action-adventure cinema, setting it apart from its competitors.
Unlike many other action franchises, the Indiana Jones series did not churn out a series of forgettable sequels. Spielberg, Lucas, and Ford put in considerable effort to ensure that the character remained true to his roots and that the scripts were worthy of the stories they wanted to tell. However, the sequels released in the 21st century received mixed reviews and varied levels of commercial success. The 2008 film Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull faced significant backlash from certain vocal members of the demanding fan community. Similarly, the James Mangold-directed Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny proved to be equally divisive, despite Ford delivering a charismatic performance. Nevertheless, Indiana Jones remains a timeless icon of American cinema, and his films continue to be a popular source of entertainment. While each film adds to the character's legacy, some have a higher rewatch value.
5 'Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny' (2023)
Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny follows the adventurous archeologist as he joins forces with his goddaughter in a high-stakes race to retrieve a potent dial capable of altering history. Their mission is to secure the artifact before a former Nazi can lay hands on it. While the fifth installment in the Indiana Jones series has its merits, it falls short in delivering the same level of charm and depth as its predecessors. Harrison Ford's continued charisma, along with Mads Mikkelsen's portrayal of an intriguing villain and Phoebe Waller-Bridge's endearing presence as Indy's sidekick, bring enjoyment to the film. However, the lack of attention to historical accuracy, clever wit, and emotional complexity, which were hallmarks of the Spielberg-directed entries, diminishes its overall impact. Moreover, the climax of the movie relies heavily on outdated computer-generated imagery, reducing its longevity.
4 'Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull' (2008)
Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull marked the return of the iconic character, Indiana Jones, to the silver screen after nearly two decades. The movie is set during the Cold War era and follows Indy as he teams up with a young greaser named Mutt Williams. Together, they embark on a mission to retrieve the legendary Crystal Skull of Akator, all while being relentlessly pursued by the ruthless Soviet agent, Irina Spalko.
Despite its controversial reputation, Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull is a highly satisfying sequel that deserves more recognition than it receives. The inclusion of Marion Ravenwood, Indy's long-time romantic sparring partner, in a more active role adds depth to the story. Additionally, the film's choice to incorporate science fiction elements, reminiscent of 1950s space opera adventures, is both daring and refreshingly original in comparison to other legacy sequels. Although Shia Labeouf's performance as Mutt Williams remains divisive, Cate Blanchett shines in her portrayal of the enigmatic Russian villain, Irina Spalko, bringing a delightful energy to the character.
3 'Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom' (1984)
Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom is often overlooked as a prequel, taking place a year before Raiders of the Lost Ark. The story follows Indiana Jones as he assists desperate villagers in British India to locate a sacred lingam stone, saving their children from a black magic cult that practices human sacrifice to honor the goddess Kali.
However, Temple of Doom is considered a regression from the first film in terms of storytelling. While Raiders of the Lost Ark effectively blended history, emotion, and character development with thrilling action sequences, Temple of Doom leans more towards a haunted house movie, with Indiana Jones characters added in. Although there are enjoyable moments, such as the exciting opening scene at Club Obi-Wan, and the thrilling mine car chase, the film's depiction of Indian characters and the forced romantic subplot involving the notorious Willie Scott (played by Kate Capshaw) make it the least appealing entry in the original trilogy.
2 'Raiders of the Lost Ark' (1981)
Raiders of the Lost Ark is a truly iconic movie. It was made after Harrison Ford's success in Star Wars, and the film fully utilizes his natural charm, creating one of the greatest American cinema heroes. The story revolves around Indiana Jones, a daring archeologist who races against the Nazis to retrieve the fabled Ark of the Covenant, believed to possess the power to make any army invincible.
This film was a significant milestone in Spielberg's career. He managed to create a movie that emphasizes the importance of intelligence and precision in historical discourse, while also showcasing breathtaking action sequences. The "boulder scene" and Indy's intense fights in front of the Ark of the Covenant are more impactful than any amount of CGI could ever achieve. Not only does Raiders of the Lost Ark boast the series' most captivating romance, it also presents the best villain. French archeologist Belloq, portrayed by Paul Freeman, is a corrupted version of Indy who prioritizes "fortune and glory" over heroism.
1 'Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade' (1989)
In Raiders of the Lost Ark, Indy showcases his incredible abilities, but Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade brings him back to reality. The story follows Indy as he embarks on a quest to rescue his father, Dr. Henry Jones, a renowned expert on the Holy Grail who has been captured by the Nazis while searching for the legendary artifact.
By delving into the character's background and hardships during his childhood, Spielberg gives Dr. Henry Jones a more relatable and human side, reducing his larger-than-life persona. Sean Connery delivers one of his finest performances outside of the James Bond series, portraying the endearing and eccentric old professor who perfectly complements Indy. The undeniable chemistry between Ford and Connery makes The Last Crusade the most humorous, heartfelt, and rewatchable installment in the franchise.
