Release order
Begin with Raiders of the Lost Ark, then follow the films as released. It is the clearest introduction to Indy’s world and the series’ blend of archaeology and pulp adventure.
Adventure is calling
Take the road
less mapped.
Ancient mysteries, narrow escapes, and one very well-traveled archaeologist. Five theatrical films make a compact adventure marathon, with one early prequel tucked into the release sequence.
Indiana Jones1981–2023About 11 hours
Before you press play
Two ways in.
One great journey.
Story order
Temple of Doom’s main adventure takes place before Raiders. Last Crusade follows Raiders despite its opening look at Indy’s youth. Crystal Skull and Dial of Destiny move into later decades. We order whole films rather than individual flashbacks.
The films / 5 theatrical releases
Indiana Jones
Your viewing guide.
Release order · US theatrical dates where available. Story order is an editorial viewing suggestion.
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Raiders of the Lost Ark
The first release and recommended introduction to Indiana Jones.
Directed by Steven Spielberg
With Harrison Ford, Karen Allen, Paul FreemanUS theatrical release:
Search Amazon for Blu-ray for Raiders of the Lost Ark (opens in a new tab)Paid link · Search resultsCheck the film, disc format, included cuts, and US playback compatibility.
Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom
A prequel in story time, despite arriving after Raiders.
Directed by Steven Spielberg
With Harrison Ford, Kate Capshaw, Ke Huy QuanUS theatrical release:
Search Amazon for Blu-ray for Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (opens in a new tab)Paid link · Search resultsCheck the film, disc format, included cuts, and US playback compatibility.
Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade
The main adventure follows Raiders, with an opening flashback to Indy’s youth.
Directed by Steven Spielberg
With Harrison Ford, Sean Connery, Denholm ElliottUS theatrical release:
Search Amazon for Blu-ray for Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (opens in a new tab)Paid link · Search resultsCheck the film, disc format, included cuts, and US playback compatibility.
Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull
Moves the central story into the Cold War era.
Directed by Steven Spielberg
With Harrison Ford, Cate Blanchett, Karen AllenUS theatrical release:
Search Amazon for Blu-ray for Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (opens in a new tab)Paid link · Search resultsCheck the film, disc format, included cuts, and US playback compatibility.
Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny
A later-life adventure with substantial looks back into the past.
Directed by James Mangold
With Harrison Ford, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Mads MikkelsenUS theatrical release:
Search Amazon for Blu-ray for Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny (opens in a new tab)Paid link · Search resultsCheck the film, disc format, included cuts, and US playback compatibility.
Guide notes & sources
Editorial review: . Released theatrical features only; television, shorts, direct-to-video titles, and unreleased films are excluded. Story order follows each whole film’s main narrative. This guide is not a content rating or age recommendation.
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