Raiders of the Lost Ark

Name: Raiders of the Lost Ark
Genre: Action, Adventure
Released: June 12, 1981
Duration: 115 min
Rating: 86
Cast: Harrison Ford, John Rhys-Davies, Karen Allen, Paul Freeman

1981

METASCORE

Universal acclaim based on 17 Critic Reviews

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USER SCORE

Universal acclaim based on 1050 Ratings

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8.9

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8.9	User Score Universal acclaim based on 1050 Ratings

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Raiders Of The Lost Ark

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Movie Details & Credits

Paramount Pictures | Release Date: June 12, 1981 | PG

Starring: Harrison Ford, John Rhys-Davies, Karen Allen, Paul Freeman

Summary: You're in for thrills as Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford) confronts snakes, Nazis and one astonishing cliffhanger after another -- all topped off by the discovery and opening of the mystical Ark of the Covenant. [Paramount Pictures]

Director: Steven Spielberg

Genre(s): Action, Adventure

Rating: PG

Runtime: 115 min

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Metascore

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Critic Reviews

100

Adam Lowes

Raiders of the Lost Ark, the first in the series from Hollywood's own golden idols George Lucas and Steven Spielberg, is still the strongest by far and remains a thoroughly rousing and nostalgic delight to return to. Read full review

100

Richard Schickel

Raiders of the Lost Ark has it all—or, anyway, more than enough to transport moviegoers back to the dazzling, thrill-sated matinee idyls of old. It is surely the best two hours of pure entertainment anyone is going to find in the summer of '81. Read full review

100

Stephen Klain

Spielberg has deftly veiled proceedings in a sense of mystical wonder that makes it all the more easy for viewers to suspend disbelief and settle back for the fun. Read full review

100

Vincent Canby

One of the most deliriously funny, ingenious and stylish American adventure movies ever made. Read full review

100

Roger Ebert

Plays like an anthology of the best parts from all the Saturday matinee serials ever made. Read full review

Keith Phipps

Finds the right balance between reverence and wit. Read full review

Dave Kehr

Travels fast and straight down a linear plot, and the ceaseless rush quickly becomes monotonous. Read full review

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User Reviews

kyle20ellis

Apr 30, 2022

For me it is not only the best of the series but one of the greatest adventure films ever made. It is breathless excitement from start to finish, and to be honest I cannot fault it really. The production values are wonderfully evocative, and John Williams's score is outstanding. The scriptFor me it is not only the best of the series but one of the greatest adventure films ever made. It is breathless excitement from start to finish, and to be honest I cannot fault it really. The production values are wonderfully evocative, and John Williams's score is outstanding. The script is filled with wit and invention, and the story is slickly paced and exciting. The action is spine-tingling, with booby-trapped caves, snake chambers, Nazi spies, religious demons, damsels in distress and romance, and the special effects are dazzling especially in the superb climax. The direction is effortless, and there is little to complain about the acting either. The part of the unorthodox archaeologist fits Harrison Ford like a glove and Paul Freeman brilliantly plays a smooth villain. Karen Allen, Denholm Elliot and John Rhys-Davies are excellent as well. In conclusion, brilliant and if you haven't seen it do. 10/10 Bethany Cox… Expand

4 of 4 users found this helpful40

Javis

Oct 4, 2011

The film is so funny, it has a good soundtrack, the characters are funny that is what makes the movie so funny, the effects are good and creepy sometimes, it has good action, one of the best of that genre, and the only one in being nominated in the Best Picture Category. One of the bestThe film is so funny, it has a good soundtrack, the characters are funny that is what makes the movie so funny, the effects are good and creepy sometimes, it has good action, one of the best of that genre, and the only one in being nominated in the Best Picture Category. One of the best films made by Steven Spielberg.… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

MikeM.

Jun 30, 2006

Why is the "Chicago Reader's" reviewer included in the tabulation for Raiders? The lowest score after it is 90. The reviewer probably masturbates to Blue Velvet and is the guy at the party going on and on about Dr. Stranglove. Ok, we get it, you are a Critic.

0 of 0 users found this helpful

Urbanlistener

Jan 18, 2016

Man, as archeology ever been this interesting? I don't think so! An iconic masterpiece by Spielberg with a sense of mystery and adventure like any other film and also an unforgettable performance by Ford.

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

SteveC.

May 29, 2008

ATTENTION - INDY 4 [***SPOLIER***] The ark ends up in a box in a warehouse at AREA 51 which turns out to be a place for hiding the American Governments secrets

0 of 0 users found this helpful

Greg2

Jun 26, 2015

Indiana Jones : Raider of the lost Ark is a excellente movie. The screenplay is perfect. Actors play very well their roles. the music ismagnificent . Action, adventure , humor are there.

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

GordanC.

Nov 25, 2007

I have been told that this has been a masterpiece of action/adventure films. But I think my source told me wrong because during the film, I was quite bored, the quality kind of sucked. It was cheesy and the last quarter was very dull, I wasn't even engaged, there was no action, but a I have been told that this has been a masterpiece of action/adventure films. But I think my source told me wrong because during the film, I was quite bored, the quality kind of sucked. It was cheesy and the last quarter was very dull, I wasn't even engaged, there was no action, but a linear design of perspective. The writing and characters are okay, but overall the movie sucks. I'm not going to watch this again.… Expand

1 of 8 users found this helpful

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