Indiana Jones and The Franchise of Diminishing Returns - RANKED

Article by Robbie Fleming 

This year, I wanted to highlight the films of Steven Spielberg and review some of his work for Keziah Hyde Media. That’s when I had the idea to cover all five Indiana Jones films in a single article—after all, Spielberg directed the first four, so this saves me from writing separate reviews for each.

So, without further ado, let’s begin with Raiders of the Lost Ark, the only film in the franchise where Indy’s name isn’t in the title.

Harrison Ford as Indiana Jones

Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)

Director: Steven Spielberg 

Studio: Paramount Pictures

UK Release Date: 30 July 1981 

What can I say about Raiders of the Lost Ark that hasn’t already been said? From start to finish, this film is a masterpiece of adventure cinema. It hooks you immediately with its thrilling opening sequence, and every moment afterward cements its status as an all-time classic. The story is packed with iconic moments, and the film perfectly encapsulates the spirit of old adventure serials that inspired Spielberg and George Lucas.

Spielberg’s direction is the film’s strongest asset, bringing a perfect balance of action, humor, and suspense. Visually, the film is stunning, thanks to Douglas Slocombe’s brilliant cinematography, which helps craft one unforgettable shot after another. Michael Kahn’s fast-paced editing keeps the story moving at an energetic yet smooth pace, while the production design, costuming, and visual effects immerse you completely in the world of Indiana Jones.

Harrison Ford is nothing short of phenomenal as Indiana Jones, delivering the film’s best performance and bringing this now-iconic character to life with wit, charm, and rugged charisma. Karen Allen shines as Marion Ravenwood, giving the film a strong female lead, while Paul Freeman makes for a compelling villain as Belloq. Denholm Elliott and John Rhys-Davies also deliver standout performances, both of whom would return in future installments.

Of course, no discussion of Raiders is complete without mentioning John Williams’ legendary score. His music is the perfect companion to the film’s sense of adventure, elevating every moment and making the Indiana Jones theme one of the most recognizable in cinema history.

Overall, Raiders of the Lost Ark remains a near-flawless film and one of Spielberg’s greatest achievements. With its thrilling storyline, masterful direction, stunning cinematography, tight editing, immersive production design, strong performances, and an unforgettable score, it’s no surprise that it continues to be revered decades later. If I were ranking Spielberg’s films in tiers, Raiders would undoubtedly belong in the S-Tier.

I give Raiders of the Lost Ark a rating of 5/5 stars and a 10/10. Highly recommend this film, even if you don’t want to watch the entire franchise—just give this one a go.

With the success of Raiders of the Lost Ark, Spielberg’s career was revitalized after the infamous flop 1941. Given the film’s popularity, a second entry was inevitable. However, instead of a sequel, they decided to make a prequel.

Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984)

Director: Steven Spielberg 

Studio: Paramount Pictures

UK Release Date: 15 June 1984

When I was younger, Temple of Doom was always my least favorite film in the franchise, but over time, I’ve grown to appreciate it more. As a prequel, it doesn’t really feel like one—it stands alone as its own adventure without foreshadowing or setting up Raiders of the Lost Ark. In fact, if this film had come out first, Raiders would have made for a great sequel. Like its predecessor, Temple of Doom tells a compelling story that expands Indiana Jones’ globe-trotting adventures.

Harrison Ford once again delivers a brilliant performance, effortlessly transforming into the character we know and love. Ke Huy Quan is also fantastic as Short Round, a fun and memorable sidekick who, in my opinion, should have returned later in the franchise. The only weak link in the cast is Kate Capshaw (who, in real life, became Spielberg’s wife). Her performance as Willie Scott comes off as whiny and irritating, which at times disrupts the film’s flow whenever she takes center stage.

Much like Raiders, this film boasts fantastic action sequences that propel the story forward, all masterfully executed under Spielberg’s direction. The cinematography features some truly stunning shots, John Williams’ score perfectly captures the adventurous tone, and Michael Kahn’s editing keeps the pacing tight and energetic. One aspect I particularly admire is how the production design feels even bigger and more ambitious compared to the first film.

Overall, Temple of Doom is a solid prequel and an exciting action-adventure film that stands as a hidden gem in Spielberg’s filmography. Ford and Quan give standout performances, and the film’s technical achievements fully immerse you in its world. While Capshaw’s performance is a downside, the film remains a fun and thrilling entry in the franchise.

I give it a rating of a 4 out of 5 stars and a 8/10. 

Funnily enough, I know people who prefer Temple of Doom to Raiders of the Lost Ark, but personally, I think the third entry in the franchise is the superior sequel.

Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989)

Director: Steven Spielberg 

Studio: Paramount Pictures

UK Release Date: May 24, 1989

The Last Crusade is the perfect continuation of Raiders of the Lost Ark, serving as the franchise’s first true sequel.

This time, we delve deeper into Indiana Jones’ backstory, the conflict with the Nazis remains a driving force, and the adventure itself is thrilling from start to finish. I also find the villains in this film more compelling, as they are given more to do and feel far more memorable than those in Temple of Doom. However, the best addition to this film is undeniably the introduction of Indy’s father, Henry Jones Sr., played famously by Sean Connery. That’s right—this movie is secretly a James Bond/Indiana Jones team-up film.

Sean Connery steals the show as Henry Jones Sr., delivering what is, in my opinion, the best performance of his career. While Harrison Ford is once again fantastic as Indiana Jones, Connery’s presence elevates the film to another level. Julian Glover and Alison Doody make for excellent villains, while Denholm Elliott and John Rhys-Davies do a great job reprising their roles from Raiders of the Lost Ark.

Spielberg’s direction is fantastic, making this film the most visually stunning of the original trilogy. The action sequences are thrilling and memorable (especially the hilarious “chair scene”), the visual effects still hold up by today’s standards, and Michael Kahn’s editing keeps the pacing as tight and energetic as ever. Of course, John Williams delivers another phenomenal score, perfectly capturing the film’s adventurous and fun tone.

One of my favorite aspects of The Last Crusade is Douglas Slocombe’s cinematography, which ensures that every frame is beautifully composed. Slocombe and Spielberg work together to capture breathtaking imagery, with intricate details that make each scene visually striking. The best shot of the film—perhaps even of the entire franchise—is the final one: Indy and his companions riding off into the sunset. It’s the perfect bookend to the film and, honestly, should have been the final shot of the franchise altogether, as the last two entries failed to recapture the same magic.

While The Last Crusade is often overshadowed by Raiders of the Lost Ark, it is still a fantastic film in its own right. From the story and performances to the stunning visuals, rousing score, seamless editing, and Spielberg’s masterful direction, this is easily one of the strongest entries in the franchise. Even though I slightly prefer Raiders, Crusade is undeniably the best sequel and a remarkable achievement from Spielberg.

I give The Last Crusade a rating of a 4.5/5 stars and a 9/10. If you loved Raiders, you’re going to have just as much fun with this one.

Eighteen years after we thought the franchise had concluded with Indiana Jones riding off into the sunset, Steven Spielberg and Harrison Ford reunited to bring a fourth installment to the series.

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

Director: Steven Spielberg 

Studio: Paramount Pictures

UK Release Date: May 22, 2008

Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull holds several distinctions—it was the last Indiana Jones film directed by Steven Spielberg and the final installment distributed by Paramount. However, most people remember it as the film that "killed" the franchise, largely due to its incorporation of far-fetched elements that divided audiences.

That said, this film has its strengths. I appreciate its pulp action aesthetic, and Janusz Kaminski’s cinematography provides some striking visuals for Spielberg. However, certain shots clearly rely on green screen, which can take away from the immersion. While the visual effects aren’t terrible, they don’t always hold up, though Michael Kahn’s editing still maintains the signature energy of the franchise.

The story itself is enjoyable, even if some moments push believability. Many take issue with the inclusion of aliens or the infamous "nuke the fridge" scene, but let’s be honest—Indiana Jones has never been grounded in realism. The original films had their share of over-the-top, fantastical moments, and this one follows suit in keeping that sense of adventure alive.

Harrison Ford effortlessly steps back into the role of Indiana Jones, picking up right where he left off. Karen Allen’s return as Marion is a welcome surprise, and the supporting cast—Cate Blanchett, Shia LaBeouf, John Hurt, and Jim Broadbent—all deliver solid performances. The weakest link for me is Ray Winstone, whose character feels underdeveloped and unnecessary. His role as Indy’s sidekick-turned-traitor could have been given to any character, possibly even a returning one.

Overall, Crystal Skull may not live up to the original trilogy, but it still provides an entertaining ride. The visual style, score, editing, and performances stand out, even if the film stumbles with its more outlandish elements. If you don’t take it too seriously, there’s fun to be had. I give it a 7/10 and 3.5 out of 5 stars.

Years later, Disney acquired Lucasfilm and decided to continue the Indiana Jones franchise. While Harrison Ford agreed to return for one final adventure, Spielberg did not. Instead, Logan director James Mangold took the helm—leading to the next (and possibly final) chapter in Indy’s story.

Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny (2023)

Director: James Mangold 

Studio: Disney 

UK Release Date: June 30, 2023

The film’s opening sequence, a flashback to Indiana Jones during WWII, is by far its strongest moment. It recaptures the energy of the original trilogy and serves as an exciting hook to draw viewers in. However, after that, the film begins to drag, and the plot feels like it’s desperately trying to introduce elements we haven’t seen before—often to its detriment.

While I stand by my guilty pleasure defense of the aliens in Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, this film pushes things too far by incorporating time travel. Instead of feeling adventurous, it comes across as a desperate attempt to see just how outlandish the series can get. Personally, I would have preferred another alien storyline, especially given the film’s setting in the post-moon landing era.

I have great respect for James Mangold as a filmmaker, and visually, his Indiana Jones vision is well-crafted. He maintains a similar visual style to Crystal Skull, with cinematographer Phedon Papamichael delivering some impressive shots. However, what this film lacks is the signature charm and magic that Spielberg brought to the franchise. While I appreciate John Williams’ return and his ability to craft a solid score, I don’t believe his Oscar nomination was warranted—it feels more like an honorary nod than recognition of standout work.

Harrison Ford returning as Indiana Jones is always welcome, but his performance lacks the same strength and energy he once had. Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s character feels like a bargain-bin Lara Croft, and her performance doesn’t offer much beyond what we’ve already seen from her in past roles. Antonio Banderas and Toby Jones feel shoehorned in with little purpose, and Mads Mikkelsen’s villain is easily the weakest of the series, waiting until the final act to even clarify his motivations.

Ultimately, Dial of Destiny is the weakest entry in the franchise, feeling more like Disney testing the waters to see if Indiana Jones is still profitable rather than crafting a meaningful final chapter. I don’t fault Mangold, the cast, or the crew entirely—it just feels like this series should have remained a trilogy. I give it a 6/10 and 3 out of 5 stars.

I just wish they had left things as they were—with The Last Crusade ending on the perfect shot of Indy and his friends riding off into the sunset.

After rewatching and reviewing the Indiana Jones franchise, here’s how I rank the films from least favorite to favorite:

5. Dial of Destiny (2023)

4. Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (2008)

3. Temple of Doom (1989)

2. The Last Crusade (1984)

1. Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)

Thank you all for reading! I plan to review more of Steven Spielberg’s films throughout the year, so let me know in the comments or on social media which ones you’d like me to cover.

Also, share your own Indiana Jones rankings—I’d love to hear your thoughts! And if you’d like to support Keziah Hyde Media, be sure to check out the website and get involved.

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Keziah Hyde Media is a non-profit, independent media organisation. We don't display ads on our site and strive to make our media accessible to everyone. But it's only sustainable with your help.