Since Indiana Jones 5 is forthcoming, it's an opportune time for longtime fans and newcomers alike to revisit this popular archaeology professor's exciting adventures – but do they need to watch in chronological order?
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This movie pits Indy against Nazis as they chase after the Holy Grail to gain global telepathic Control. Ancient artifacts, fistfights, and snakes play key roles.
The Last Crusade
Following Raiders of the Lost Ark, The Last Crusade takes an even more focused approach on Indy and his father. Although still an engaging adventure film, The Last Crusade includes some challenging narrative impacts and emotional issues for Indy to work through.
Harrison Ford and Sean Connery continue to share a delightful onscreen chemistry, with hilarious back-and-forth banter between them being an endless source of entertainment. Even classic gags such as vase smashing or rotating fireplace continue to work brilliantly due to natural rapport between actors and surprisingly strong script.
Although Temple of Doom was more complex in terms of plot and character development, Last Crusade remains an enjoyable popcorn flick. Reuniting Denholm Elliot and John Rhys-Davies after they had parted ways in Temple of Doom was delightful; Elliot would go on to die from AIDS shortly thereafter; additionally Last Crusade marked Indiana fighting Nazis aboard a moving tank for the first time – mechanical effects supervisor George Gibbs considered the sequence one of his toughest moments during production!
Temple of Doom
Temple of Doom finds Indiana Jones being forced back into working for the corrupt American warehouse of artifacts that he escaped from in Raiders, helping defend a village against evil sorceress Mola Ram and her demon worshippers searching for the Ark of the Covenant, which can Grant its owner supernatural powers such as invincibility. With assistance from Marion Ravenwood (Karen Allen) and Mutt Williams as allies, Indy must confront his arch-nemesis Sallah (Ke Huy Quan).
Temple of Doom caused controversy when released in 1984. Fans were not pleased with its darker tone and Steven Spielberg admitted it wasn't his favourite in the series. Additionally, it caused outrage due to its depiction of India; local censors were outraged at its negative stereotypes and scene such as an ominous high priest taking hearts out of victims as evidence against it.
Temple of Doom was initially banned in India upon its release; however, later it was reinstated with an MPAA rating of PG-13 and reinstated for theater release. Notable feature in Temple of Doom is where Indy and Marion first start dating each other while sharing classic screwball comedy chemistry.
Raiders of the Lost Ark
Indiana Jones movies have been an incredible success and this classic adventure marks their beginning. Following Indiana's journey as he searches for ancient treasures while overcoming villainous threats and perils he faces off against, this tale contains iconic moments such as when Indy encounters the plane propeller for himself!
The film redefined adventure cinema and propelled Harrison Ford into iconic status. Set in 1936, Indiana Jones is hired by government agents to find the Ark of the Covenant – believed to contain the Ten Commandments – which is believed to have been stored somewhere in Nepal or Egypt. Rene Belloq (Paul Freeman), however, also wants it. A race against time ensues between Indy and Rene Belloq while their archrival, French archaeologist Rene Belloq races from Nepal to Cairo trying to steal it before Indy arrives with Marion Ravenwood (Karen Allen) and excavator friend Sallah (John Rhys-Davies).
Disney+ now offers all four movies of the series for streaming, and for maximum enjoyment you should watch them in order as outlined here. Alternatively, watch them in their original release order if that suits your viewing preference better. Either way, Steven Spielberg and George Lucas made sure a whole new generation was entertained with this storyline – enjoy your journey! You can also buy them as Blu-ray discs.