Overview
An archaeologist races against time and enemies to uncover a powerful biblical artifact.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Breakneck
- Intensity
- Strong
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- Moderate
- witty
- propulsive
- exuberant
- weekend adventure night
- family movie night
What critics said
Critics broadly regard the film as an exhilarating, stylish, highly entertaining modernization of classic adventure serials, praising its sustained momentum and balance of action, comedy, and suspense.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
The Ark of the Covenant functions as the story's central object of pursuit, drawing Jones, Belloq, and the Nazis into a race across Nepal and Egypt.
The opening temple escape, globe-spanning transitions, cliffhangers, and successive action set pieces update classic Saturday matinee serials for the New Hollywood era.
The Nazi search for the biblical Ark links historical fascism with supernatural power and occult mythology.
The film emphasizes jungle traps, vehicle chases, fights, collapsing structures, and other materially grounded action set pieces.
Films like Raiders of the Lost Ark, and why
The Mummy
shared globe-trotting treasure hunt, charismatic rogue hero, serialized action, and exuberant escapism
Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade
shared archaeology-driven adventure, occult mythology, exotic locations, comic bravado, and pulpy action
Star Wars
shared cliffhanger serial structure, artifact quest, witty heroism, and high-energy set pieces
James Bond: From Russia with Love
shared globe-spanning espionage adventure, charismatic protagonist, comic danger, and spectacular practical action
Movie Details
- Director
- Steven Spielberg
- Release Date
- 1981-06-12
- Runtime
- 115 min
- Rating
- 7.9 / 10 (14036)
Cast
- Harrison Ford
- Karen Allen
- Paul Freeman
- John Rhys-Davies
- Ronald Lacey
- Wolf Kahler
- Anthony Higgins
- Denholm Elliott
- Alfred Molina
- Vic Tablian
Where to watch in United States
- Streaming
- Disney Plus, fuboTV, Paramount Plus Premium, Paramount Plus Essential, Paramount+ Amazon Channel, YouTube TV, Paramount+ Roku Premium Channel
- Rent
- JustWatch TV, Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home, FlixFling, Spectrum On Demand, Plex
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Raiders of the Lost Ark about?
- An irreverent archaeology professor races rival Nazis across the globe to recover a biblical artifact before its supernatural power is unleashed.
- What is Raiders of the Lost Ark like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Raiders of the Lost Ark as breakneck, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is Raiders of the Lost Ark violent?
- Somewhat. Ember rates the violence in Raiders of the Lost Ark as moderate.
- What did critics think of Raiders of the Lost Ark?
- Critics broadly regard the film as an exhilarating, stylish, highly entertaining modernization of classic adventure serials, praising its sustained momentum and balance of action, comedy, and suspense.
- Which films are like Raiders of the Lost Ark?
- Films with a similar feel include The Mummy, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, Star Wars, and James Bond: From Russia with Love.
- How long is Raiders of the Lost Ark?
- Raiders of the Lost Ark runs 115 minutes.
- Where can I watch Raiders of the Lost Ark?
- In United States, Raiders of the Lost Ark streams on Disney Plus, fuboTV, Paramount Plus Premium, Paramount Plus Essential, Paramount+ Amazon Channel, YouTube TV, Paramount+ Roku Premium Channel.
