Indiana Jones movies in order
Indiana Jones Marathon

Page Last Modified:

15 December 2025

Most Recent Release:

Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny - 2023

Total Runtime:

637 Minutes

Total Items:

5

Average User Score:

(7.2)

Indiana Jones movies in order

Grab your whip, put on your fedora, and get ready for an adventure like nothing you've ever seen. Hey, let's get this Indiana Jones movie marathon started! But before you hit play and let John Williams' iconic score fill the room, there's one crucial question: in what order should you watch these legendary films? The Indiana Jones series likes to play around with time, so the release order might not be the best way to go. Don't worry, adventurer, we've got your back. We've lined up the Indiana Jones films in order based on the story, so you can have the best binge-watching experience. Get ready for temples, Nazi villains, dad jokes, and a few surprises along the way.

637 Minutes 5 Movies
  1. Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom Backdrop 1
    Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom Movie 118 min. 1984
    After arriving in India, Indiana Jones is asked by a desperate village to find a mystical stone. He agrees – and stumbles upon a secret cult plotting a terrible plan in the catacombs of an ancient palace.
    USER SCORE 7
  2. Raiders of the Lost Ark Backdrop 2
    Raiders of the Lost Ark Movie 115 min. 1981
    When Dr. Indiana Jones – the tweed-suited professor who just happens to be a celebrated archaeologist – is hired by the government to locate the legendary Ark of the Covenant, he finds himself up against the entire Nazi regime.
    USER SCORE 8
  3. Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade Backdrop 3
    Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade Movie 127 min. 1989
    In 1938, an art collector appeals to eminent archaeologist Dr. Indiana Jones to embark on a search for the Holy Grail. Indy learns that a medieval historian has vanished while searching for it, and the missing man is his own father, Dr. Henry Jones Sr.. He sets out to rescue his father by following clues in the old man's notebook, which his father had mailed to him before he went missing. Indy arrives in Venice, where he enlists the help of a beautiful academic, Dr. Elsa Schneider, along with Marcus Brody and Sallah. Together they must stop the Nazis from recovering the power of eternal life and taking over the world!
    USER SCORE 8
  4. Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull Backdrop 4
    Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull Movie 122 min. 2008
    Set during the Cold War, the Soviets—led by sword-wielding Irina Spalko—are in search of a crystal skull which has supernatural powers related to a mystical Lost City of Gold. Indy is coerced to head to Peru at the behest of a young man whose friend—and Indy's colleague—Professor Oxley has been captured for his knowledge of the skull's whereabouts.
    USER SCORE 6
  5. Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny Backdrop 5
    Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny Movie 155 min. 2023
    Finding himself in a new era, and approaching retirement, Indy wrestles with fitting into a world that seems to have outgrown him. But as the tentacles of an all-too-familiar evil return in the form of an old rival, Indy must don his hat and pick up his whip once more to make sure an ancient and powerful artifact doesn't fall into the wrong hands.
    USER SCORE 7

Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984)

Surprisingly, this film was the first released, even though it was the second to be released. The movie takes place in 1935, just a year before Raiders of the Lost Ark, and it introduces us to a younger, yet still sarcastic, Dr. Jones, played by the iconic Harrison Ford. Indiana Jones is joined by lounge singer Willie Scott (Kate Capshaw) and the unforgettable Short Round (Ke Huy Quan) as he dives into the dark world of the Thuggee cult, booby-trapped mines, and the quest for the Sankara Stones. The tone is darker, the action is delightfully over-the-top, and the pace is relentless. It's the perfect way to kick off your marathon.

Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)

Next, we move to 1936 with Raiders of the Lost Ark, the film that started it all and cemented Indiana Jones as an iconic franchise. Indy's at the top of his game as an archaeologist, adventurer, and professional Nazi nuisance. Alongside Marion Ravenwood (the amazing Karen Allen), he travels the world looking for the Ark of the Covenant. From jungles to deserts, this film has everything you could want from a classic action-adventure story. The John Williams score is unmistakable, the fedora and bullwhip are immortal, and the tent mirror scene is pure comedy gold.

Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989)

Jump to 1938, and Indy is joined by none other than his father, Henry Jones Sr., brilliantly portrayed by Sean Connery. Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade is the perfect mix of adventurous action, historical mystique, and father-son bonding. It adds surprising depth to Indy's character. They're on a mission to find the Holy Grail, dodging traps in catacombs, Nazis who burn books, and even a wild chase on motorcycles with a sidecar. John Rhys-Davies is back as Sallah, which is always a win.

Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (2008)

Fast forward to 1957, during the Cold War. Indy is a bit grayer but far from done with his artifact hunts. Kingdom of the Crystal Skull might be the most talked about movie in the series, but it still has a place in your marathon. With Cate Blanchett playing the cold Soviet villain Irina Spalko, a mysterious crystal skull, and a lot of pulp science fiction vibes, this film pays tribute to 1950s sci-fi cinema. We also get a nostalgic reunion with Marion Ravenwood, and Indy is portrayed as a mentor figure. It may not be everyone's favorite, but it's still a solid addition to this timeline.

Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny (2023)

We've reached the final stop on your Indiana Jones movie marathon, and it's been a wild ride. Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, directed by James Mangold and released by Walt Disney Studios, is set in 1969 and captures the spirit of the era. The world has changed, and space travel is a big deal, but Indy is once again caught up in a mystery involving time travel and a forgotten artifact. Mads Mikkelsen kills it as the new villain, Jürgen Voller, and Phoebe Waller-Bridge brings some fresh energy as Helena Shaw. Antonio Banderas makes a quick cameo as Renaldo, an old friend. This film feels like a farewell, but it also shows why Indiana Jones is one of the most iconic movie heroes of all time.

Why This Order Works

Watching the Indiana Jones films in this order lets you see how Indy grows older, changes his relationships, beliefs, and adventurous style. From the dark undertones in Temple of Doom, through the classic atmosphere of Raiders and Last Crusade, to the time jumps and technological changes of the later films, this order provides the most seamless character arc. It also makes sure that recurring characters like Sallah, Marion, and Marcus Brody show up at the right times in Indy's life.

And Then? Check out more of the universe

Are you done with the five films? It's great, but the adventure doesn't end there. The Indiana Jones franchise isn't just about movies. Check out the Young Indiana Jones TV series for stories about his adventures as a kid, featuring historical figures like T.E. Lawrence and Picasso. Or, if you want to wield a bullwhip yourself, try one of the classic Indiana Jones video games. There are also a bunch of novels, merchandise, and even a legendary Indiana Jones ride at Disneyland that'll make your inner archaeologist cheer.

Let Your Own Adventure Begin

An Indiana Jones movie marathon is more than just a movie night. It's like a little trip through cinema history, a love letter to practical effects, and a reminder of why Harrison Ford will always be our favorite archaeologist adventurer. So tilt that hat, grab your popcorn, and let the John Williams score fill your living room. Whether you're a newcomer or a seasoned viewer, this viewing order makes sure every moment hits the mark. We're serious, this should be in a museum.