The long-awaited final chapter in the Indiana Jones series is nearly here. Carrying the subtitle Dial of Destiny, the fifth entry in the classic adventure series is set to be Harrison Ford’s final outing as the character. In preparation, fans are going back and watching the other films in the franchise. The series is known for its adventurous and nail-biting action scenes, and we are taking a look at ten of the best today.
10. Hovitos Escape – Raiders of The Lost Ark
The first Indiana Jones movie, Raiders of the Lost Ark, is still known as one of the greatest adventure films of all time. The opening is the perfect introduction to the Jones character. It has intrigue, mystery, and of course action. Indy steals a golden idol from an underground treasure room. He gets chased by a giant boulder before being confronted by rival archeologist, Rene Belloq. Belloq sends the native Havitos tribe after Indy, which leads to an exciting chase. This sequence is the first major action sequence of the series, and still remains one of the best.
9. Warehouse Escape – Kingdom of the Crystal Skull
Before Dial of Destiny, the last Indiana Jones movie was released in 2008. Kingdom of the Crystal Skull still has fans divided, but there is no denying there are some thrilling action sequences. The movie opens with Indy being forced to lead a group of Russian soldiers around a warehouse. As soon as the opportunity presents itself, he stages an escape. What follows is a fun sequence proving that Harrison Ford can still carry an action-oriented role. Gunplay, car chases, and of course a swinging Indy brings fans back to the golden age of the series right in the first thirty minutes.
8. Boat Chase – Last Crusade
Many fans agree that the third movie is the best of the bunch. The movie sees Indy set out to find his father as well as the fabled Holy Grail. While searching for clues, Indy and his team get intercepted by Grail Knights. They are then put into a fun chase scene on speed boats. If the chase wasn’t enough, one of the Knights engages in a fistfight with Indy, all while they are racing towards a propellor from another boat. This scene is quintessential Indy, and fans look forward to it every watch-through.
7. Nazi Mechanic – Raiders of the Lost Ark
The first Indiana Jones movie sees the famous character struggling to catch a break. He is trying to flee Cairo with his love interest Marion, but they are intercepted by Belloq and the Nazis. Marion gets trapped in a fighter plane leaking fuel while Indy holds off the Nazis. He finally begins to save Marion, when a large mechanic decided he wants to take on Indy one on one. The two engage in a rather brutal fistfight that leads to one of the more gruesome deaths in the series, even if it happens off-screen.
6. Jungle Fight – Kingdom of the Crystal Skull
One major issue many fans have with Kingdom of the Crystal Skull is the overuse of CGI. One action scene does have some questionable computer effects, but it is still a fun scene. The sequence in question sees Indy and his team race through a thick jungle with Russian soldiers. The scene sees characters jumping from vehicle to vehicle, clever fighting mechanics, and even monkeys. As fun as it is, fans are hoping Dial of Destiny uses more practical effects save for the incredible de-aging the trailers have showcased.
5. Dog Fight – Last Crusade
Indy and his father can’t seem to catch a break in the third movie. They think they are safe when they use a plane to escape from a Nazi blimp, but they soon realize there is a Nazi fighter pilot hot on their tail. The humorous and fun action scene is made so great because of the incredible chemistry between Harrison Ford and Sean Connery. The fight manages to be intense while still allowing room for the two leads to engage in some banter.
4. Mine Cart Chase – Temple of Doom
The second Indiana Jones movie is a bit darker than its predecessor, leaving some fans split. One thing they agree on, however, is the chase in the mine shaft is one of the best action scenes in the series. Indy and his partners are attempting to escape the titular temple, and the only way out is through a rickety mine shaft. They race through it with Thugies hot on their back. Not only does Indy have to fight off henchmen while on a runway mine cart, but he also has to try to keep it on track. This chase scene is one of the best in the series, and it is unlikely to be topped in the fifth entry.
3. Bar Fight – Raiders of the Lost Ark
Marion’s introduction in Raiders sees her as a no-nonsense bar owner who can hold her liquor as well as her own in a fight. After a heated exchange with Indy, she is met by Nazi operatives searching for a medallion. She is outnumbered until Indy returns to even the odds. What follows is an old-fashioned bar fight where Indiana Jones and Marion are able to hold off the Nazis; this is a great introduction to Marion, and fans hope to see her return in Dial of Destiny.
2. Truck Chase – Raiders of the Lost Ark
When the Nazis seem to successfully smuggle the Ark out of Cairo, Indy chases after the convoy on a horse. He jumps off of the horse onto a truck, leading to a heart-pounding action sequence that has become synonymous with the franchise. Indy struggles with a pesky Nazi driver and even goes for a ride underneath the truck. The scene has everything that makes for a great Indy action sequence but is barely beaten out by one.
1. Tank Chase – Last Crusade
When Henry Jones Sr. and Marcus Brody are captured by the Nazis, Indiana Jones rushed after them. The problem is, they are part of a tank convoy and Indy has to find out which one. This scene has gunplay, horse riding, fistfights on top of moving tanks, and of course quips. The scene is full of every ingredient that makes for a fantastic Indy action scene. It even has one of the best uses of the iconic theme as Indiana Jones pulls himself up off the edge of a tank; as excited as fans are for Dial of Destiny, it has some big shoes to fill if it expects to top this classic scene.
