Key Takeaways:
– ‘Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny’ (2023) takes last place in the ranking due to bland action and lack of memorable scenes.
– The much-debated ‘Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull’ (2008) ranks fourth despite some eccentric elements.
– ‘Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade’ (1989) comes third, while its more edgy predecessor, ‘Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom’ (1984), ranks second.
– The renowned ‘Raiders of the Lost Ark’ (1981) takes the top spot, deemed by many as the ultimate action-adventure movie.
Now, let’s delve into the Indiana Jones universe
5th Place: Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny (2023)
Some of you might be pulling a face as you read this—the latest Indiana Jones flick ranking lowest on our list. While it’s not outrightly awful, there’s nothing particularly thrilling or unforgettable about it. Boring bad guys, tons of CGI, and average action scenes contribute to this movie’s missteps. Even the highly talented Phoebe Waller-Bridge couldn’t save the day. It’s a shame.
4th Place: Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (2008)
Here we have some alien biz thrown into our Indy mix. With all those jungle vine swinging moments, it’s a bit out there. But isn’t that the fun part? Despite its high-drama and somewhat quirky moments, this installment still serves up the classic Indiana charm we adore. And let’s not forget—it does have a happy ending.
3rd Place: Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989)
Next up is the third film from the original trilogy which features the iconic Sean Connery as Indy’s father, Henry Jones Sr. The fantastic partnership of Connery and Harrison Ford gives this movie its vibrancy. In spite of this, it still falls third in our ranking. The villain’s character is a bit on the dull side, and the action is somewhat smoother than we’d prefer. But hey, the fantastic prologue does a great job of setting the stage.
2nd Place: Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984)
This one should be up there—truly. It’s a prequel that beautifully captures Indiana’s transformation from a treasure-hunting archaeologist to a problem-solving hero. Plus, the heart-ripping villain, Mola Ram, gives a chilling performance that can’t be forgotten. And let’s not forget the gutsy Kid sidekick, Short Round. High five for this one!
1st Place: Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)
Let’s drum roll for our number one—Raiders of the Lost Ark. It’s not only regarded as the best Indiana Jones film, but also one of the greatest action-adventure movies of all time. With two back-to-back thrilling action set-pieces and superb performances from the stars, it’s a cinematic masterpiece. Harrison Ford’s introduction as Indiana Jones in this film is an iconic moment in movie history. We give this movie all the praise it deserves.
Finally, if you have a different ranking of the Indiana Jones movies, drop a comment and let us know your thoughts. After all, each viewer perceives the magic of these movie differently—it’s what makes each film an adventure itself.