On the 10th year anniversary of the latest installment in the ‘Indiana Jones” franchise, “Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull,” let’s rank the Indy movies from worst to best. While all the Indy movies are well-loved, this is in the interest of offering a critical listing.
Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull
Though this may have gotten the highest opening gross among the four films, it is also the least adored by fans and panned by critics. Probably because they can’t stand the idea of Shia Labeouf’s character replacing the beloved swashbuckling Indy. Also, there’s too much going on in the film; one feels that the writers and producers tried to incorporate everything, resulting in a convoluted narrative.
Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom
The second installment was conceptualized as a prequel, which does work in many places. The problem is that it ended up depicting various racial stereotypes as the protagonist took on a quest of securing the Sankara Stones of Indian legend. The years have been kind to the film, though, despite its dark undertones and political incorrectness.
Raiders of the Lost Ark
Fans could easily rank the first installment in the series as their top choice—and indeed, most critics and fans will insist—but the Raiders is best on the second spot for the following reasons: the film established Indy’s character, it won four Oscars, and its success led to similarly themed flicks like “King Solomon’s Mine” and “Romancing the Stone.”
Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade
Plot-wise, the Last Crusade takes the cake. It features the memorable tandem of Ford and Sean Connery and is probably the most effective take on the Holy Grail lore, with lots of funny and exciting twists and turns. Fans are united in saying that the film is the pinnacle of the series’ success.
Bob Mims is a former basketball coach from Memphis. He values teamwork, respect, sportsmanship, and a positive attitude. The Indiana Jones films are some of his favorite films. For similar reads, check out this blog.