Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)
Steven Spielberg's landmark adventure that launched one of cinema's greatest heroes and redefined the blockbuster era.
Raiders of the Lost Ark - Movie Information
- Original Title: Raiders of the Lost Ark
- Release Year: 1981
- Directed by: Steven Spielberg
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Adventure, Action
- Age Rating (US): PG
- Runtime: 1h 55m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English, Spanish, German, Hebrew, Arabic, Nepali
- Release Date (Theatrical): June 12, 1981 (Canada - PG), June 12, 1981 (United States - PG), July 30, 1981 (United Kingdom), October 29, 1981 (Germany - 16), September 16, 1981 (France - 12), September 7, 1982 (India - U), August 14, 1981 (Australia - PG), August 21, 1981 (Brazil - L), July 23, 1981 (Mexico - A), October 22, 1981 (Italy - T), October 4, 1981 (Spain - A), February 27, 1982 (South Korea - 12), December 11, 1981 (China)
- Alternative Titles: Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark (US), Indiana Jones ja kadonneen aarteen metsästäjät (FI), Индиана Джоунс: Похитителите на изчезналия кивот (BG), Indiana Jones és az elveszett frigyláda fosztogatói (HU), Dobyvatelia stratenej archy (SK), Poszukiwacze Zaginionej Arki (PL), Indiana Jones et les Aventuriers de l'arche perdue (CH), 인디아나 존스 1 (KR)
- Production Companies: Paramount Pictures, Lucasfilm Ltd.
- Production Countries: United States of America
Raiders of the Lost Ark - Plot
When Dr. Indiana Jones – the tweed-suited professor who just happens to be a celebrated archaeologist – is hired by the government to locate the legendary Ark of the Covenant, he finds himself up against the entire Nazi regime.
Raiders of the Lost Ark - Trailer
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Raiders of the Lost Ark - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Steven Spielberg
Main Cast
- Harrison Ford
- Karen Allen
- Paul Freeman
- John Rhys-Davies
- Ronald Lacey
- Wolf Kahler
- Anthony Higgins
- Denholm Elliott
- Alfred Molina
- Vic Tablian
Writers
- Lawrence Kasdan
- Philip Kaufman
- George Lucas
Producers
- Frank Marshall
Raiders of the Lost Ark - FAQs
Where can you stream Raiders of the Lost Ark?
Raiders of the Lost Ark is available to stream on Disney Plus, Paramount+, Philo, and YouTube TV. It can also be rented or purchased on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home. Check JustWatch for the most current availability in your region.
Is Raiders of the Lost Ark based on a true story?
The film is fictional, though it draws on real history. The Ark of the Covenant is a genuine biblical artifact described in the Hebrew scriptures. The Nazi obsession with occult relics was also historically documented. Indiana Jones himself is a fictional character inspired by pulp adventure heroes and real-life archaeologists.
Who are the main actors in Raiders of the Lost Ark?
Harrison Ford stars as Indiana Jones, with Karen Allen as Marion Ravenwood, Paul Freeman as the villainous Dr. René Belloq, and John Rhys-Davies as the loyal Sallah. Ronald Lacey plays the menacing Major Toht, while Denholm Elliott and Alfred Molina also appear in notable supporting roles.
What happens at the end of Raiders of the Lost Ark?
When the Nazis open the Ark, supernatural forces are unleashed, destroying everyone present who looks upon it. Indiana and Marion survive by keeping their eyes shut. The Ark is then confiscated by the U.S. government and stored anonymously in a vast warehouse, suggesting its power remains hidden and forgotten.
What is Raiders of the Lost Ark about?
Archaeologist and adventurer Indiana Jones is recruited by the U.S. government to find the legendary Ark of the Covenant before Nazi forces can weaponize it. The quest takes him from Nepal to Cairo and beyond, pitting him against ruthless rivals and deadly traps in a race against time.
Did Raiders of the Lost Ark win any awards?
Yes. The film won five Academy Awards, including Best Film Editing, Best Art Direction, Best Sound, Best Visual Effects, and a Special Achievement Award for sound effects editing. It was also nominated for Best Picture and Best Director, cementing its status as one of the most acclaimed blockbusters ever made.
What is the age rating for Raiders of the Lost Ark?
Raiders of the Lost Ark is rated PG in the United States. The film contains action violence, peril, and some intense sequences involving snakes and supernatural imagery. Parents should note that the film's climax includes graphic content that may be frightening for younger children.
How long is Raiders of the Lost Ark?
Raiders of the Lost Ark has a runtime of 1 hour and 55 minutes (115 minutes). Despite its brisk pace and near-constant action, the film manages to develop its characters and world-building effectively within that running time, making it one of the most efficiently crafted adventure films in Hollywood history.
More About Raiders of the Lost Ark
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