How to watch
The Indiana Jones movies in the correct order
The complete Indiana Jones watch guide 🏺
Last updated: July 6 2025
Written by: ChronoChris
Indiana Jones is one of cinema’s most iconic adventurers, created by George Lucas and brought to life by Harrison Ford. Blending history, myth, and non-stop action, the series spans decades and multiple eras in Dr. Jones’ life.
The Indiana Jones saga is filled with archaeological thrills, Nazi-fighting heroics, and legendary artifacts. But watching the series in the right order can offer a clearer sense of Indy’s timeline and character evolution.
With prequels, sequels, and a recent finale decades after the originals, it can be tricky to decide whether to go by story chronology or release order.
This guide presents both options—letting you choose between narrative flow or the original cinematic experience.
⏱️ Chronological Order
Watching in chronological order means following Indiana’s journey as it unfolds in time—from his earliest escapade in Shanghai to his final ride through time itself.
- Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984)IMDb
- Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)IMDb
- Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989)IMDb
- Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (2008)IMDb
- Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny (2023)IMDb
This order gives a more linear look at Indiana’s adventures and personal growth—from his cynical younger self to his wiser, older years.
đź“… Release Order
Watching in release order mirrors the audience's original experience—from the groundbreaking Raiders in 1981 to the nostalgic finale in 2023. It’s ideal for capturing the franchise’s evolving style and storytelling.
- Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)IMDb
- Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984)IMDb
- Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989)IMDb
- Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (2008)IMDb
- Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny (2023)IMDb
This approach maintains the evolution of special effects and filmmaking over time, and is often preferred by longtime fans or those revisiting the series.
Which Order Should You Choose?
For newcomers, chronological order offers a smoother narrative arc. For returning fans or purists, release order preserves the original sense of wonder and pacing.
No matter the order, the Indiana Jones films remain a thrilling journey full of adventure, danger, and timeless fun.
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