Indiana Jones is one of the most iconic and beloved characters in cinema history, created by George Lucas and Steven Spielberg and played by Harrison Ford.
The adventurous archaeologist has starred in four movies so far, with a fifth one coming out in a few days. But do you need to watch the previous movies before seeing the new one?
It is recommended that you watch the previous films before watching The Dial of Destiny, simply because it will enhance the viewing experience. However, each Indiana Jones film has a standalone story, so it is not compulsory to watch the previous films before this one.
How to Watch the Indiana Jones Films
Each Indiana Jones movie has its own standalone story, with different villains, locations, and artifacts. However, there are some recurring characters and themes that connect the movies.
For example, Indy’s father Henry Jones Sr. (Sean Connery) appears in Last Crusade and Crystal Skull, while his old flame Marion Ravenwood (Karen Allen) appears in Raiders and Crystal Skull.
Indy also faces off against Nazis in Raiders and Last Crusade, while he encounters Soviets in Crystal Skull. Some of the artifacts he seeks are also related to biblical or mythical lore, such as the Ark of the Covenant, the Holy Grail, and the Crystal Skulls.
You will get a better sense of Indy’s character development, his relationships with others, and his motivations for his quests. You will also catch some references and callbacks to previous movies that might otherwise go unnoticed.
However, if you don’t have time or interest to watch all four movies, you can still enjoy the new one as a standalone adventure. You can choose to watch only one or two of the previous movies that interest you more, or none at all. The new movie will likely introduce new characters and plot elements that will not require prior knowledge of the franchise.
Indiana Jones Release & Chronological Order Explained
The best way to watch the Indiana Jones movies is either by release order or by chronological order.
If you watch by release order, you will follow the order in which the movies were made and released to the public. This way, you will see how the franchise evolved over time, both in terms of filmmaking techniques and storytelling choices.
If you watch by chronological order, you will follow the order in which the events of the movies take place in history. This way, you will see how Indy’s adventures fit into the historical context of the 20th century.
We’ve explained both the release order and the chronological order for your convenience.
Here’s a list of all the Indiana Jones movies by release order:
- Indiana Jones and the 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)
Here’s a list of all the Indiana Jones movies by chronological order (the year in the brackets indicate when the films are set):
- Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1935)
- Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark (1936)
- Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1938)
- Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (1957)
- Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny (1969)
There is also a TV series called The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles that ran for two seasons from 1992 to 1996. It follows Indy’s adventures as a child and a young adult during World War I and beyond. It is not essential to watch this series before seeing any of the movies, but it does provide some background information on Indy’s life and personality.
Whichever way you choose to watch them, the Indiana Jones movies are sure to provide you with thrilling action, witty humor, and unforgettable moments. So, grab your hat and whip, and get ready for a new adventure with Indy!
About Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny
Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny is an upcoming American action-adventure film and is the fifth and final installment of the Indiana Jones film series. The film is directed by James Mangold, who co-wrote the script with Jez Butterworth and John-Henry Butterworth.
In 1969, Indiana Jones lives against the backdrop of the Space Race. Jones had started to feel doubts when the U.S. Government recruited former World War II enemies in their desperation to beat the Soviet Union out in the competition to make it to space. His goddaughter, Helena, accompanies him on his journey. Meanwhile, Voller, a NASA member and ex-Nazi involved with the moon-landing program, wishes to make the world a better place as he sees fit.
Harrison Ford will reprise his role as Indiana Jones, joined by Mads Mikkelsen, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Thomas Kretschmann, Boyd Holbrook, and Shaunette Renee Wilson.
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