What Order Should the ‘Indiana Jones’ Movies Be Watched In?

The Indiana Jones franchise as we know it is about to take its final bow.

Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, the fifth movie in the adventure franchise, is in theaters now.

It marks the fifth and final appearance of Harrison Ford as the titular archaeology professor created by George Lucas. Ford has played the role on and off since 1981.

But how did we get here?

Five movies have been released in the Indiana Jones franchise, but not exactly in chronological order story-wise.

We’re making it easy for you to rewatch the entire saga before you check out Dial of Destiny, so read on for the best order to watch the Indy movies in, along with where to stream them.

So, once and for all…

What Order Should You Watch Indiana Jones Movies?

1

Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984)

Set in 1935, one year before the action of Raiders, yet released three years chronologically after, this prequel film is widely regarded as an outlier in the franchise. Rather than focusing on archaeology or political antagonists, it took on a much darker tone.

It did, however, introduce us to eventual Academy Award winner Ke Huy Quan, who was 11 years old when he starred as Short Round in the film.

where to stream indiana jones and the temple of doom

2

Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)

Audiences first met Harrison Ford’s archaeology professor in Raiders of the Lost Ark, a collaboration between Star Wars screenwriter Lawrence Kasdan and prolific director Steven Spielberg. Released in 1981 but set in 1936, Indy sets out on a mission to locate the Ark of the Covenant, racing against the clock to get to the relic before the Nazis.

On the 35th anniversary of the film, Decider chief Mark Graham wrote, “Thanks to its whip-smart dialogue, crackerjack action set-pieces and refreshing lack of CGI, the film has aged exceptionally well.”

where to stream raiders of the lost ark

3

Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989)

Set in 1938, Indy sets out on yet another mission to recover yet another religious artifact; this time, it’s the holy grail. And joining him on this journey is his father, Dr. Henry Jones, Sr, played by the great Sean Connery.

“Classic scenes and lines abound as the Jones men head on the hunt of the legendary Holy Grail, tackle Nazis, and reveal the surprising origin of Indiana Jones’s name,” wrote Decider’s managing editor Alex Zalben.

where to stream indiana jones and the last crusade

4

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

After a 19-year hiatus, Ford returned to Indiana Jones, with Spielberg in the director’s chair for the last time in the franchise. Set in 1957, Indy must race against Soviet agents to find a Crystal Skull; the journey takes him across state and country lines, and brings back new characters while also introducing new ones to the franchise, including one played by Shia LeBeouf.

“There may be some ridiculous elements at play, sure, but Indy 4 leans fully into its absurdity and is better for it,” Decider contributor Jade Budowski wrote. If you’re mad about the aliens, I get it. But there’s so much to love here! It’s self-indulgent! It’s nostalgic! It’s totally silly at times! And that’s why it’s so great.”

where to stream Indiana jones and the kingdom of the crystal skull

5

Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny (2023)

After playing the role of Indiana Jones for over 40 years, Harrison Ford is hanging up his fedora. The character will set off on one last adventure set in 1969. Phoebe Waller-Bridge costars Helena, Indy’s goddaughter and sidekick, and Mads Mikkelsen is the film’s antagonist.

Right now, the only place to watch Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny is in movie theaters across the country.