Metascore
90 out of 100

Universal acclaim - based on 11 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 11
  3. Negative: 1 out of 11
  1. 100
    Plays like an anthology of the best parts from all the Saturday matinee serials ever made.
  2. 100
    An adventure film that plays like an old-time 12-part serial that you see all at once, instead of Saturday-to-Saturday. It's a modern "Thief of Baghdad." It's the kind of movie that first got you excited about movies when you were a kid. (Translation for today's children: It's better than anything on TV.) [12 June 1981]
  3. 100
    Has all the right ingredients: a smart script, a likable hero, a dash of romance, more than a touch of comedy, and a lot of fast-paced action.
  4. Reviewed by: Howard Karren
    100
    Steven Spielberg turns the pure adventure of Saturday afternoon serials into a solidly entertaining spectacle.
  5. Harrison Ford gave one of his most memorable performances as Indiana Jones, a dashing Saturday matinee idol for the modern age.
  6. Spielberg can never top this. Period.
  7. One of the most deliriously funny, ingenious and stylish American adventure movies ever made.
  8. Reviewed by: Staff (Not Credited)
    100
    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.
  9. Reviewed by: Staff (Not Credited)
    90
    Ford's performance is an underrated but remarkable achievement; he succeeds in fully embodying a comic-book style hero without ever descending into camp.
  10. 90
    Finds the right balance between reverence and wit.
  11. 30
    Travels fast and straight down a linear plot, and the ceaseless rush quickly becomes monotonous.
User Score

Universal acclaim- based on 142 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 41 out of 46
  2. Negative: 4 out of 46
  1. "Raiders of the Lost Ark" is a adventurous movie that plays out like a TV series, but one with a powerful script, cast, and story. Its like watching the best moments of TV in one cool movie. Full Review »
  2. I FINALLY got round to watching this movie. It was great but I didn't really have as much fun as when I did while watching the Temple Of Doom. It's still a great movie and I'm glad I watched it. Full Review »
  3. This film is "The" Adventure film and an example of how to make a good blockbuster flick. Entertaining as hell with memorable action scenes, solid acting and a well told story. Absolute joyride from beginning to end. Full Review »