Since 1981, Steven Spielberg and George Lucas’ Indiana Jones franchise has been a high benchmark for action and adventure; thrilling audiences around the world with exhilarating set pieces, exotic locales, and Harrison Ford’s effortlessly charming lead performance. With the latest and supposedly final installment, Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, hitting theaters this weekend, I thought it would be a good time to look back at the franchise and see which of the five films came out on top.
As we go through the quintology from worst to best, I want to make it clear that I don’t consider any of these films to be bad. While some are obviously better than others, each new installment brings something unique to the table and tends to at the very least be a fun ride. Oh and please don’t ask me about The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles. We’re not talking about it. Without further ado, let’s get rolling.
#5. Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom
People are probably going to hate me for this, but take off the nostalgia goggles and Temple of Doom is a deeply flawed film. Willie doesn’t work as a love interest, Indy’s treatment of Willie makes him seem more like a misogynistic jerk than the lovable rogue we know him to be, and the film’s racist depictions of Hindu culture make it a rather uncomfortable watch.
However, there is still plenty to like here. Set pieces like the opening car chase or the bridge cutting are incredible, Ke Huy Quan’s Short Round might be the best companion in the entire series, and while it doesn’t fully work, I appreciate the film’s ambition. It’s much darker and more intense than any other film in the series, so it’s at the very least unique.
#4. Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull
Upon revisitation, the oft-maligned Kingdom of the Crystal Skull has a lot more to offer than you might think. The action set pieces are a blast to watch as usual, literally in the case of the now-infamous “Nuking the fridge” sequence that’s honestly a lot better than people give it credit for. The returning Karen Allen as Marion Ravenwood is excellent and Shia LaBeouf even managed to be somewhat tolerable in something for once.
The film still has its fair share of problems. The pacing feels off, the CGI is slightly wonky at points, and the alien business is over-explained to the point of tedium. Plus, attempting to place the Soviets in the Nazi role just doesn’t work. But is it the worst movie ever? Far from it.
#3. Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny
Also Read: Indian Jones and the Dial of Destiny Review: Fun Enough, but the Series Finally Jumps the Shark
The latest installment in the franchise sees the directorial reigns being handed over to Logan director James Mangold in place of Steven Spielberg and he does not miss a beat when it comes to this character. Captivating action set pieces, a cavalcade of charming characters, and John Williams’ iconic score come together to deliver a truly great action film.
It runs perhaps just a smidge too long for what it’s trying to do and there’s some spoilery stuff I won’t get into that might upset some people, but I really enjoyed myself. One of the best films of the summer and a worthy send-off to our beloved hero.
#2. Raiders of the Lost Ark
The one that started it all is still one of the most incredible cinematic experiences to this day. I took a screenwriting class once where our first assignment was to watch this movie. That’s how good it is. It’s perfectly paced, its characters are consistently engaging, its themes are simple yet powerful, its villains are immensely hateable, and the action is simply top-notch.
The iconic boulder chase, the bar fight, the duel on the plane, Indy cutting a sword fight short by just shooting the guy, what more can be said that hasn’t already been said? Everything about Indy from his hat to his whip to his fear of snakes to his theme song is instantly iconic from the very beginning and it all goes back to this remarkable film.
#1. Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade
It shouldn’t surprise anyone that Last Crusade has some spectacular action sequences. The boat riding between the two tankers, the opening train sequence, the Grail trials, it’s some incredible stuff. And the dynamic between Harrison Ford’s Indy and the late great Sean Connery as Henry Jones Sr. is a ton of fun to watch. But I think what really elevates this film above the others is the meaning behind that relationship and how it ties into the film’s themes.
This movie is ultimately a story about obsession. Henry’s obsession with the grail drove him away from his son, Indy’s obsession with it brought the two together again, and their obsessed dedication to being bitter with one another is what drives much of the non-Nazi focused conflict. But it’s not until Indy lets go of the grail at the end, therefore letting go of that obsession, that the two are truly are able to put aside their differences and be a family again.
Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade may not be as immediately iconic as Raiders, or as dark as Temple of Doom, or packed with as many fancy new bells and whistles as Dial of Destiny or Crystal Skull; but its character and its heart make it a cut above the rest. And while Dial of Destiny may be the true send-off for the character, I can think of no better ending for him than to literally ride off into the sunset with his father, their life-long mission complete at last.
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