Every Indiana Jones Movie Ranked Worst To Best (Including Dial Of Destiny)

The film that started it all, it's no surprise that Raiders of the Lost Ark spawned an entire series from Indiana Jones' debut adventure.

Lucas and Spielberg introduced the character of Indy perfectly, right down to the first few frames of the film. Raiders' introductory temple sequence is a thing of beauty and enshrines almost every facet of Indiana Jones' character, from the moment he steps out of the shadows with his steely glare, to the panicked expression of triggering the temple's traps and the exasperation of being outmaneuvered by Belloq, all the way up to the anger of having to put up with Jock's snakes as they make their airborne getaway.

There is no better character introduction than Raiders', and it's a strong foundation Spielberg and Lucas build on to legendary effect. The first Indiana Jones film is brimming with affection for the form and its history, most obviously and notably the adventure serials the two filmmakers grew up watching. But it's also a reminder of Spielberg's talent as an innovator.

Ornately layered with enticing exposition and rhythmic action sequences, Raiders of the Lost Ark is beautifully composed by the director and cinematographer Douglas Slocombe, who build up a breathless pace as Indy and old flame Marion Ravenwood (played by a terrific Karen Allen) race against time to retrieve the Ark of the Covenant before it can fall into the hands of the Third Reich. Top it off with yet another legendary score from composer John Williams, and you're left with legendary cinema.

There are moments where Raiders of the Lost Ark lags, particularly in the final act before that face-melter of a closing scene, but it's still a glorious debut for Dr. Jones.