If you want to watch the Indiana Jones movies in order, there are two main options: watching them according to the chronological timeline of the story or following the release order of the films.
The Indiana Jones franchise is one of the most iconic adventure series in cinema history. Created by George Lucas and directed primarily by Steven Spielberg, the films follow archaeologist and adventurer Dr. Henry “Indiana” Jones as he searches for powerful historical artifacts while battling enemies, rival treasure hunters, and dangerous traps.
Beginning in 1981 with Raiders of the Lost Ark, the franchise quickly became one of the most influential adventure film series ever made. Over the decades, several sequels expanded the story, leading to one of the longest-running action-adventure franchises in Hollywood.
This guide explains the complete list of Indiana Jones movies in order, including both chronological order and release order.
Indiana Jones Movies in Order – Table of Contents
- Indiana Jones Movies in Chronological Order
- Indiana Jones Movies in Release Order
- Indiana Jones Movies Checklist (Printable)
- FAQ
Indiana Jones Movies in Chronological Order
Chronological order follows the timeline of events inside the Indiana Jones universe.
- Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984)
- Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)
- Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989)
- Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (2008)
- Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny (2023)
The timeline begins with Temple of Doom, which takes place in 1935 and serves as a prequel to the events of Raiders of the Lost Ark. The rest of the films follow Indiana Jones through different historical adventures spanning several decades.
Indiana Jones Movies in Release Order
Watching the Indiana Jones movies in order by release date is often recommended for first-time viewers because it preserves the way audiences originally experienced the story.
- Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)
- Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984)
- Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989)
- Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (2008)
- Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny (2023)
Indiana Jones Movies Checklist (Printable)
- Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)
- Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984)
- Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989)
- Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (2008)
- Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny (2023)
Download Indiana Jones Movies Checklist (PDF)
FAQ
How many Indiana Jones movies are there?
There are currently five Indiana Jones films. The series began with Raiders of the Lost Ark in 1981 and concluded with Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny in 2023. Over more than four decades, the franchise became one of the most recognizable adventure film series in cinema history.
What is the correct order to watch Indiana Jones movies?
You can watch the Indiana Jones movies in order either by chronological timeline or by release date. Chronological order begins with Temple of Doom because it takes place before Raiders of the Lost Ark. However, most fans recommend watching the films in release order because it preserves the storytelling progression created by the filmmakers.
Is Temple of Doom a prequel?
Yes. Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom takes place in 1935, which is one year before the events of Raiders of the Lost Ark. Because of this, it serves as a chronological prequel even though it was released after the first film.
Will there be another Indiana Jones movie?
As of now, Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny is expected to be the final film featuring Harrison Ford as Indiana Jones. While the franchise may continue in other formats in the future, there are currently no officially confirmed new Indiana Jones movies.
Who created Indiana Jones?
The Indiana Jones character was created by George Lucas and brought to life on screen by director Steven Spielberg and actor Harrison Ford. Their collaboration produced one of the most iconic adventure film franchises in cinematic history.
Final Thoughts
The Indiana Jones franchise remains one of the most influential adventure film series ever made. Watching the Indiana Jones movies in order allows viewers to experience the character’s legendary adventures across multiple decades of cinema.
If you enjoy movie timeline guides, you may also want to explore Star Wars movies in order, Terminator movies in order, and Mission Impossible movies in order.
For more details about the development and history of the franchise, you can visit the Indiana Jones film series overview .