In 1981, action-adventure movie, Raiders of the Lost Ark bounded its way into cinemas. The imaginative action picture, inspired by movie serials of the 1930s and 1940s, followed the story of a globetrotting archaeologist named Indiana Jones, who is sent on a mission by the US government to retrieve the legendary Ark of the Covenant.
In the film, the year is 1936 and ‘Indy’ travels to Cairo in search of the Ark, to ensure it doesn’t fall into the hands of the Nazis. However, he soon encounters fellow archaeologist and rival René Belloq, who is working for the Nazis and is also seeking the prized treasure.
Released to a positive response from critics and audiences alike, Raiders of the Lost Ark was both a critical and commercial hit when it made its debut in cinemas. Lead actor Harrison Ford was praised for his performance as Indiana Jones, while the film’s action set pieces, the movie’s musical score by John Williams, and the smart direction from director Steven Spielberg were also viewed as a highlights.
Due to the success of Raiders of the Lost Ark, a series of sequels soon followed, which would place Indy in further action-orientated adventures. The Indiana Jones movie series would also go on to inspire a television show (more about that later), as well as toys, games, and even theme park attractions.
But if you’re new to the Indiana Jones movies you may be asking yourself what are all the films and what is the correct viewing order. Well, hold onto your hats, because all the details are set out below.
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The Indiana Jones movies
Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)
As noted above, the Indiana Jones movie series began in 1981 with the release of Lucasfilm’s Raiders of the Lost Ark. The film – set a few years before the outbreak of World War II – followed the story of archaeologist and adventurer, Indiana Jones as he sets out to retrieve the mysterious and supposedly powerful Ark of the Covenant.
In the movie, the US government become aware that Adolf Hitler is searching for the Ark, in the hopes that he can harness its power. Keen for it not to fall into his hands, they enlist Indy to find the missing artefact and bring it back to US soil.
After setting out to locate the Ark, Indy travels to Cairo where he uncovers clues about its location. He also crosses paths with enemies René Belloq and Major Arnold Toht, as well as old friend Sallah, and former love interest, Marion Ravenwood. (115 mins)
Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984)
Upon release, Raiders of the Lost Ark was a big hit with audiences. The film took over $212 million at the US box-office, making it the highest grossing movie of 1981 in the United States.
As a result of the film’s popularity, a follow-up was soon put into production. However, rather than this be a direct sequel, the second movie was conceived as a prequel, set in 1935 – a year before the events of Raiders of the Lost Ark.
Released in 1984, Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom saw Indy find himself arriving at the Indian village of Mayapore. Here he meets the villagers, who plead with him to retrieve their missing children, as well as a sacred stone, which they believe resides in the nearby Pankot Palace.
After travelling to the palace with his companions Short Round and Willie Scott, Indy uncovers a dark secret. This secret involves an underground temple, human sacrifices, and the missing children. (118 mins)
Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989)
Although the critical reception to Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom was not as strong as the response to Raiders of the Lost Ark, the film proved to be a hit at the box office. Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom went on to become the third highest grossing movie of 1984 in the US, pretty much guaranteeing a third instalment.
This third entry followed in 1989, under the title Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. As the title suggested, the film was designed to be a potential last ‘hurrah’ for the Indy films, bringing the series to a close as a trilogy.
In this film, the year is 1938 and Indiana Jones is on the hunt for his missing father, Henry Jones Sr. Henry disappeared while searching for the legendary Holy Grail and Indy is keen to track him down.
Setting out on a rescue mission, which takes him to Venice, Austria, and Hatay, Indy finds his father. However, he also crosses paths with the Nazis, who are equally as keen to locate the Grail. (128 mins)
Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (2008)
With the release of Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, the big screen Indy adventures had seemingly come to an end. The third instalment had been well received, both critically and commercially, and actor Harrison Ford had felt that was enough.
However, over the years that followed the popularity of the Indiana Jones movie series continued to increase. Thanks to home video, television screenings, and strong interest from a loyal fanbase, Indy remained an important part of pop culture, and endless production rumours suggested another instalment would happen.
Eventually, after a long development, a fourth Indiana Jones DID happen, and it made its debut in 2008 under the title, Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. The film would pick up Indy’s story almost 20 years after the events of The Last Crusade, for a slightly sci-fi tinged adventure.
In the film, it is 1957, and Indy is on the hunt for a telepathic crystal skull, which is located in Peru. However, Indy is not the only one searching for the skull – so are a team of KGB agents, led by Colonel Dr. Irina Spalko.
Teaming up with a group of companions, including Marion Ravenwood and Indy’s son, Mutt Williams, Indy attempts to find the skull before Soviet forces get their hands on it. But soon Indy finds himself in the midst of an adventure which includes aliens, a double-agent, and a flying saucer.
Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny (2023)
When Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull made its debut the film was met with a mixed response. Critics were not entirely won over by the movie and fans were less than impressed with the sci-fi aspects of the story.
However, Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull was a box office hit. The film took over $790 million at the worldwide box office, making it clear there was an appetite for more Indy adventures.
As a result, and after much consideration (as well as another lengthy development period), another Indiana Jones picture was put into production. The film arrived in 2023, under the title Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, and would be the fifth and final instalment of the saga.
In this entry, the year is 1969 and Indy is retiring from Hunter College in New York City. The last few years have not gone so well, especially when it comes to his family, and his adventuring days appear long gone.
However, all that changes when Indy’s goddaughter, Helena Shaw visits and enlists his help in finding the Archimedes’ Dial – an ancient relic which supposedly can grant the ability of time travel. But Helena is not the only person seeking the dial, so too is German astrophysicist and former Nazi, Jürgen Voller.
The Indiana Jones movies in production order
To date, there are five Indiana Jones movies. Should you wish to watch the movies in production order, then simply follow this list:
- Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)
- Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984)
- Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989)
- Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (2008)
- Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny (2023)
Alternatively…
The Indiana Jones movies in chronological timeline order
Although the majority of the Indiana Jones movies were released in chronological order, Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom was conceived as a prequel. As such, if you wish to watch the Indiana Jones movies in chronological timeline order, follow this list:
- Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984)
- Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)*
- Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989)
- Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (2008)
- Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny (2023)
For reference: Temple of Doom is set during 1935; Raiders is set during 1936; The Last Crusade takes place in 1938; Kingdom of the Crystal Skull is set in 1957; and Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny is set in 1969.
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Who are the cast of the Indiana Jones movies and are the films the work of the same director?
Harrison Ford is the most notable actor in the Indiana Jones movie series, having played the title character across all five films. Outside of the Indy films, Ford is a high-profile actor, who has starred in a string of movies including The Fugitive, What Lies Beneath, Witness, and multiple Star Wars films amongst many others.
Other notable actors in the movie series include John Rhys-Davies, Karen Allen, Denholm Elliott, Kate Capshaw, Sean Connery, Shia LaBeouf, Paul Freeman, Ke Huy Quan, Julian Glover, Cate Blanchett, Ray Winstone, John Hurt, Alfred Molina, William Hootkins, Jim Broadbent, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Mads Mikkelsen, Ronald Lacey, Boyd Holbrook, Toby Jones, Antonio Banderas, Roshan Seth, Pat Roach and Vic Tablian.
In terms of directors, the Indiana Jones movie series is the work of the following:
- Steven Spielberg directed Raiders of the Lost Ark, Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, and Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull
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Which is the best Indiana Jones movie?
According to IMDb, the Indiana Jones movies are rated as follows:
- Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981) – 8.4/10
- Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984) – 7.5/10
- Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989) – 8.2/10
- Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (2008) – 6.2/10
- Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny (2023) – 6.6/10
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And finally… The television series and the expanded timeline
If you think there are only five Indiana Jones films then chances are you may have missed out on a whole collection of ‘other’ Indy movies – 22 of them in fact! But what are they and where have these 22 movies been hiding all this time?
Let me explain…
In 1992, three years after the release of Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, Lucasfilm decided to transport Dr. Jones to television. The result was a two season TV show comprising 28 episodes, and four TV movies.
The series – The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles – told the early adventures of Indy, through a collection of country-hopping tales set during the early 1900s. The show covered multiple years in Indy’s life, with Corey Carrier playing Indy at age 8, Sean Patrick Flannery playing Indy from the age of 16, and George Hall picking up the story at the age of 93. Harrison Ford even reprised the role of Indy too, albeit very briefly.
While the series focused on stories set before the events of Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom – thus negating the need to include Harrison Ford in the show – Ford did make an appearance in one episode. The episode, Young Indiana Jones and the Mystery of the Blues, saw Ford play the role of Dr. Jones at the age of 50.
Now I know what you’re thinking – with the exception of four TV movies, what does the show have do with the theatrical Indiana Jones films? Well, I can tell you.
In 1999, Lucasfilm decided to release the show on VHS but not as season boxsets, but rather as a series of movies re-titled The Young Adventures of Indiana Jones. By editing episodes together, then adding and trimming material accordingly, the studio reworked all of the episodes and the four TV movies to create 22 additional films that could link up with the theatrical movie series.
In most cases the films were formed by editing together two television episodes. In other cases, the films were slightly tweaked versions of the original material.
Here are all of the Young Indiana Jones films, listed from film No. #1 – My First Adventure, through to film No. #22 – Hollywood Follies. Oh, and to complete the timeline as Lucasfilm initially envisioned it, I’ve also added the theatrical movies to the list (in chronological order) to create the ultimate Indy journey.
The viewing order of the Young Indiana Jones films is as follows:
- #1 – My First Adventure – Originally Young Indiana Jones and the Curse of the Jackal + new footage
- #2 – Passion for Life – Originally British East Africa, September 1909 + Paris, September 1908)
- #3 – The Perils of Cupid – Originally Vienna, November 1908 + Florence, May 1908)
- #4 – Travels with Father – Originally Young Indiana Jones: Travels with Father)
- #5 – Journey of Radiance – Originally Benares, January 1910 + Peking, March 1910)
- #6 – Spring Break Adventure – Originally Princeton, February 1916 + material from Young Indiana Jones and the Curse of the Jackal)
- #7 – Love’s Sweet Song – Originally Ireland, April 1916 + London, May 1916)
- #8 – Trenches of Hell – Originally Somme, Early August 1916 + Germany, Mid-August 1916)
- #9 – Demons of Deception – Originally Verdun, September 1916 + Paris, October 1916)
- #10 – Phantom Train of Doom – A slightly edited version of Young Indiana Jones and the Phantom Train of Doom)
- #11 – Oganga, The Giver and Taker of Life – Originally German East Africa, December 1916 + Congo, January 1917)
- #12 – Attack of the Hawkmen – A slightly edited version of Young Indiana Jones and the Attack of the Hawkmen)
- #13 – Adventures in the Secret Service – Originally Austria, March 1917 + Petrograd, July 1917)
- #14 – Espionage Escapades – Originally Barcelona, May 1917 + Prague, August 1917)
- #15 – Daredevils of the Desert – Originally Palestine, October 1917)
- #16 – Tales of Innocence – Originally Northern Italy, June 1918 + new footage)
- #17 – Masks of Evil – Originally Transylvania, January 1918 + Istanbul, September 1918)
- #18 – Treasure of the Peacock’s Eye – Originally Young Indiana Jones and the Treasure of the Peacock’s Eye)
- #19 – Winds of Change – Originally Paris, May 1919 + Princeton, 1919 – taken from Travels with Father)
- #20 – Mystery of the Blues – Originally Young Indiana Jones and the Mystery of the Blues)
- #21 – The Scandal of 1920 – Originally Young Indiana Jones and the Scandal of 1920)
- #22 – Hollywood Follies – Originally Young Indiana Jones and the Hollywood Follies)
- #23 – Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984)
- #24 – Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)
- #25 – Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989)
- #26 – Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (2008)
- #27 – Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny (2023)
Now it should be noted that while Lucasfilm did plan to release all the movies on VHS from 1999 onward, only 12 of the ‘movies’ actually made it to shelves. However, in 2008 – ahead of the release of Kingdom of the Crystal Skull – all 22 entries were released on DVD.
The Young Indy movies were made available via three different boxset collections: The Early Years (Vol.1), The War Years (Vol.2), and The Years of Change (Vol.3). In addition to the films, each boxset contained a wealth of material, most of which detailed the real-world history that surrounded each Indy story.
Should you want more information on these releases, you can check out the DVD collections of The Adventures of Young Indiana Jones on Amazon US or Amazon UK.
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Disclaimer: I earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article.
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