Indiana Jones Films | Ranked
The greatest Lucasfilm project not named “Star Wars” has made its way to Disney+. The first four “Indiana Jones” films are now available on the streaming service ahead of the theatrical release of the fifth film in the series, “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny.” There’s even been an Indiana Jones collection added to Disney+ that includes a preview of the fifth film along with “The Adventures of Young Indiana Jones” in some countries. So, let’s rank the four film that make up the Indiana Jones franchise.
4. INDIANA JONES AND THE KINGDOM OF THE CRYSTAL SKULL
This is the most controversial of the films. Harrison Ford and Steven Spielberg revisited the character with a new script that really pushed the limits of a lot of what makes Indiana Jones great. Many felt they went too far and pushed it into silliness. While it doesn’t bother me as much as it bothers others, I certainly understand that sentiment. To me, it just feels like an older band still hitting the same notes, but it just doesn’t feel like it’s working.
3. INDIANA JONES AND THE TEMPLE OF DOOM
On a personal note, this is my favorite of the original three films. I like the darker aspects of it that some others don’t. But most people tend to believe this film ranks third of the 1980s trilogy of films. I get why they see it this way, and if I’m removing my subjective view of it and looking at the collective opinion, I have to slot this one here. Still, the first three were all great in their own ways, so it’s definitely worth a re-watch.
2. INDIANA JONES AND THE LAST CRUSADE
I thought this film wrapped up the series perfectly meaning there was no reason for a fourth or fifth film. I know some people view this as their favorite film of the franchise. I know some people who view it as the weakest of the first three (that would be me). I know some people who slot it right here in second. Still, it’s a film that gave us Harrison Ford, Sean Connery and River Phoenix. That’s a good film to have in your series.
1. INDIANA JONES AND THE RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK
The first film in this series remains the best. This is as close to perfection as the series ever got. It tells a great story and has the right blend of action, adventure and comedy. It may not be my favorite, but I can’t argue with how great it truly is. It’s always fun to go back and watch this film.
That’s my rankings. I did my best to set aside my personal prejudices to rank these in a way with which most would probably agree. But I want to know how you would rank the “Indiana Jones” films.