This is the original movie from the series of treasure searching expeditions introduced by Steven Spielberg. This is very much a movie for boys. I would say it requires a parent to be with the child to add context to the action. The only problem you’ll have is keeping them contained as they try to recreate scenes by jumping from the couch. There is a drinking scene, a domestic slapping scene and a couple of the violence scenes are gory (early impaling by spikes and a late scene where a Nazi mechanic meets the spinning propeller). The distinction between good guys and bad guys is as clear as a Jersey divider with little ambiguity, which makes it easy for the 7 – 10 year olds to understand. And who doesn’t like to see the good guy prevail and get the girl in the end?
Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark
(1981, Rated PG, Action/adventure, Starring Karen Allen, Harrison Ford, Paul Freeman)Ratings at a Glance
| 80% | of parents say it's too violent |
Have you seen it? 
Most Recent Reviews
Parent & Educator Reviewers Say | Kid Reviewers Say
- I rate this title iffy for age 7 and give itMy concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- My highlights are:
You need to watch this with your child if less than 12 years of age.
- I rate this title iffy for age 7 and give itMy concerns are:
- Negative role models
Depends...
Depends on your family's personal attitudes. Kids can imagine worse than this. I like to laugh loudly during the horrific scenes (e.g., faces melting) to convey the message that it's just Hollywood. Worse is the bad role-modeling. Everyone is a mercenary, even the heroic couple. Don't really like that.
- I rate this title off for age 7 and give itMy concerns are:
- Excessive violence
Who cares if "all of the other kids" have seen it!
I wish I would have checked this site before watching this movie with my 5 and 7 year olds. Most of their friends had seen it and other mothers told me it was fine for my kids. Not so. My kids were scared by the "creepiness" which occurs when Indy is inside the tomb and at the end when the Ark is opened and people literally MELT. They were afraid to be alone for a couple of days after watching this movie. I felt like a fab parent. :(
- I rate this title iffy for age 13 and give itMy concerns are:
- Excessive violence
For ages 13 and up, but parents should be cautioned
Violent at parts, but mostly it's done in comedic way.
- I rate this title on for age 13 and give itMy concerns are:
- Excessive violence
What about gruesome melting faces???
It's been a while since I've seen this, but isn't there a possibly nightmare-inducing scene when they find the Ark and everyone's faces are liquidized? May be ok for 11 and up, but worth mentioning.
- I rate this title off for age 17 and give it
What about the language!
The language in this film is unacceptable. How many times does a movie have to take the Lord's name in vain before that is included in a "Family Friendly" review? There were at least two instances in this movie. Also, the violence was very graphic. As a college student, I didn't notice, but as a father watching with young children I was mortified. In my opinion, this should have been rated R and restricted to those 17 years and older.
- I rate this title iffy for age 11 and give it
Theres Nothing Like It
Amusing, Incredible, Original,Music, and so much more.
- I rate this title iffy for age 10 and give it
- I rate this title iffy for age 10 and give it
- I rate this title on for age 13 and give it
Time for a nice long review
So, since there aren't any nice long reviews for this movie yet, I'm going to write one! First off, I would have given this movie 4 1/2 stars, but there isn't that option... so I just gave it a 4. Anyway, this movie is timeless in nearly every since of the word, the special effects, especially the gunshots, are a bit dated, but honestly, the movie is so good that you won't care. You can still tell easily what's going on. And since this is the first one, you can definitely see when the actors are sitting in front of a screen and calling it a sky, but this only happens for a few sets. Kids will want to see this since the new movie is coming out, but first let me warn you: This is a PG-13 movie, so don't be fooled by the PG rating. Don't take your little kids to see it. It is a pause for 11-12, and 13 and up should have no problem at all. Alright, so now for the iffy material. We'll start with language. It's just pretty normal for a PG-13. There are two G-Damns, one bast*rd and one son of a b*tch, then there are some hells and sh*ts, but they are mostly said in German. I believe it is only said once in English. Now for violence. There are people shot, and they are not especially graphic, but there is plenty of blood shown. People are set on fire, have their faces melt, and explode. Again, because of the dated specials effects it is not too graphic, but it may disturb your kids. Kids will especially be disturbed at a point when an adorable monkey dies by poison, though it doesn't show the death. There are plenty of corpses, and snakes and spiders, put in there for the gross effect. Then when Indy has his trademark battle with the big guy who he has to kill using something other than his fists: (like a cement roller). he ends up killing him with an airplane propeller. You don't actually see it cut him up, but his blood is sprayed all over the airplane. As far as alcohol goes, there is a lot, and it is mostly used by Marean (I don't know how to spell her name). She is a bar owner, and wins a shot contest, she uses alcohol to get someone else drunk so she can escape, and she just likes to drink period. So if your kids might be sensitive to that kind of stuff, then you may want to have a little talk with them. As for social behaviour, movies can't be expected to make everyone look good. There is like one bad frenchman in this movie and people are saying that it makes french people look bad. Mostly it just makes snakes look bad. ^^ So, this material is solid PG-13 in my opinion. It's actually not nearly as bad as most PG-13's out today. So I personally would say 12+, but mature 10 and 11 year olds would be fine as well. It's a very good movie, so if you haven't seen it before, then go rent it. The early Indiana Jones' are most deinitely woth watching.
- I rate this title iffy for age 11 and give it
- I rate this title iffy for age 13 and give it
Strong Violence
Strong Violence,Language,and Blood
- I rate this title iffy for age 13 and give it
Great movie - not for young kids
Be very cautious with this movie. I know the newest Indy is out in the theaters, but the original was made before the PG-13 rating was available. Lots and lots of violence - including blood splatters from an airplane rotor and melting faces. Also, tons of drinking in excess and profanity that you would not want young kids to hear (including several GDs). Review this movie yourself before you introduce it to your kids.
- I rate this title iffy for age 13 and give it
Very violent - should be PG 13
I rented this for my 13 year old. She was shocked by the violence and told me she thought it should be a PG13. She said the blood and gore was too much! Not for younger teens!
- I rate this title on for age 11 and give it
Excellent Film
This is one the first movies that I remember watching and it has not lost it power to entertain or move. My own children love it. It is a bit Gory and violent for young children but the power of adventure is great for all ages.
- I rate this title on for age 8 and give it
Great Movie!
Great movie but scary ending....
- I rate this title on for age 8 and give it
the best movie
I like indy and I love this movie! Indiana is the only action hero that i admire! He does the right thing even when he does not want to! He never gives up and he fights like a real man. The fact that he doesn't seem to care about the nazis that he kills is not a flaw! I want my kids to be like indy.
- I rate this title on for age 11 and give it
- I rate this title on for age 11 and give it
You havn't seen anything until you've seen this movie,
This is an excellent film. The finest ever made. I recomend watching it first before letting your kids see it. Guy's face shrivles. One guy melts away like wax and One guy's head explodes. One great film.
- I rate this title iffy for age 11 and give it
- I rate this title on for age 13 and give it
Fun for Teens and up.
A classic. Some violence and language. Okay for 12 or 13 and up.
- I rate this title iffy for age 11 and give it
- I rate this title on for age 13 and give it
Great fun but not for young children.
Great fun but not for children. One of my favourite action movies. Some scenes, however, are very frightening for children. The mummies in the pyramid and the terrifying stuff that comes out of the ark will fuel nightmares and anxieties in children. One of the lead characters winning a drinking contest can lead kids to think that drinking large quantities of alcohol is a sign of strength.
- I rate this title iffy for age 13 and give it
Great
Let your Teens see it, it is a must!
- I rate this title on for age 5 and give it
One of the greatest movies of all time!!!
This is one of the first movies that I remember seeing as a kid, and my own son was about 5 the first time he watched it. I suppose that some of it could be a little scary, and I did make him turn away at the very end with the melting faces, but all in all, it's really not too bad. That said, it is one of the greatest action films of all time and ALL kids should be familiar with it!
Parent & Educator Reviewers Say | Kid Reviewers Say
- I rate this title iffy for age 8 and give itMy concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- Inappropriate sexual content
- Drinking, smoking, or drug use
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
Good movie.
Indiana Jones has LOTS of violence in it. I think that it should only be seen when there is lots of day left to go. It can be very scary at night.
- I rate this title iffy for age 12 and give itMy concerns are:
- Excessive violence
Off For Ages 11 And Under; Iffy For Ages 12-13; On For Ages 14 And Up
Tons of blood: especially the plane scene.
- I rate this title on for age 10 and give it
A classic Steven Spielberg. Great movie with great story and action.
- I rate this title on for age 12 and give itMy concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- Inappropriate language
- Drinking, smoking, or drug use
not for tweens but great for older kids.
It is avery good movie the best in the series. There is some swearing shooting and punching. There is quite alot of blood. I is the best but also the most violent.
- I rate this title on for age 9 and give it
Should be ok for tweens
Depending on your kids age and maturity level it should be okay. There is violence and mild language and some parts are a bit suspenceful.
- I rate this title on for age 13 and give itMy concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- My highlights are:
The best in the Indiana Jones series...
I just love this movie! Yeah, the effects can be a little cheesey at times, but it's still very good. The violence may be a little much fro young or sensitive viewers, and the language consiste of: d--n, h--l, b---ard, s--t, and b--ch. Each said one to three times. The sexual content is sparse and implied, but it still isn't age appropriate for younger viewers. Overall a great movie compared to what Hollywood puts out today.
- I rate this title on for age 4 and give it
great for a younger kid thriller
not my fovorite indy movie but it was alright i suppose
- I rate this title on for age 12 and give itMy concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- Drinking, smoking, or drug use
Classic film
The best in the Indiana Jones series. 12 and up will easily handle it.
- I rate this title iffy for age 5 and give itMy concerns are:
- Excessive violence
fine for 8 and up kids
bloody and violent
- I rate this title iffy for age 10 and give itMy concerns are:
- Excessive violence
Creepy!
I only watched only a few minutes of this movie and I stopped because there was a really creepy bloody scene I choked on popcorn.
- I rate this title on for age 11 and give itMy concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- Inappropriate sexual content
- Inappropriate language
- Drinking, smoking, or drug use
Not bad, very exciting and fun, but bloodier then the content says.
Okay, we need a category for gore on this one. Melting faces, one scary image, and not to mention a couple people getting penetrated by either arrows or spears from an ancient trap. Blood dribbles from peoples mouths when dead, and people are stuck in the middle of hundreds of snakes, and/or dried up corpses. A bloodier Indy movie, but still very exciting. Depends on your kid for the most part. Very swashbuckling and fun for fans! Some swearing, and one sexual kissing scene. A few immodesty with torn dresses etc., The third one is much better.
- I rate this title on for age 8 and give it
not my favrorite
Indy 1 is fine for probably 8 and up and is probaly the bloodiest indy movie
- I rate this title iffy for age 2 and give it
WOW
This was an absolutly amazing movie. Violence isn't too bad. A few places with blood. Indy gets shot in the arm, some punching and gun-shooting. There is a place where a man holds a red-hot poker up to a girls face. Sex is minimal. Two kisses or so, and we see the girl with a blanket covering her as she lays in bed. There is space beside her, and her nightgown is above her, so we can assume she slept with Indy the previous night. There is an innuendo or two. Definitely some drinking. Towards the beginning two people are drunk and having a drinking contest. Then later two more people are drunk and laughing like idiots. Some swearing - about 10-15 profanities. I recommend the edited version, such as ClearPlay.
- I rate this title iffy for age 2 and give it
Definitely a rollercoaster of a movie
A very solid, if sometimes cheesy, action movie. Sex: Zilch Violence: Tons, most not graphic. Fist fights, gunfights, sword fights, characters impaled by booby traps(these are rather bloody), characters seared by magic flame, characters falling off cliffs, characters killed by poison darts, character killed by poison dates, character's hand is burned, character threatens another character with flaming tongs, character's face melts, character implodes, character's head explodes, character shredded by a bi-plane proppeller offscreen (you just see a ridiculous amount of blood splatter), and perilous situations involving giant rolling balls. (PAUSE) Social Behavior: Unless you count a french archaeologist going through Cohen rituals (blasphemy in Judaism). Then again he pays for it severely. (NOT ISSUE) Language: tons of damns, S.O.B once (not said that way). Overall, Mature 11+, Normal 12-13+, squeamish 15+
- I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
- I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
Cool!!
It was a pretty cool movie. A must-see for everyone. Nice action and storyline.
- I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
Indy 1 A Bit Gory For A PG
Indiana Jones & The Raiders Of The Lost Ark Is A Bit Gory For A Film Rated PG In The Begining There's A Bit Of Blood Where A Man Has Been Stabbed In The Head With 5/6 Arrows Which Is A Bit Gory For A Kid The Age Of 8!!!!
- I rate this title iffy for age 2 and give it
Awsome action-adventure movie!
My dad wouldn't let me see this until i was 12, now I can see why! 1. there is alot of violence, guns, arows, whips, and fists, much blood but it all looks fake. there are some creepy parts in it , like when the girl is traped in a tomb with a whole bunch of skelotons, or near the end when the bad guys shrivle up and die. 2. there is a little languge such as: h--l, d--n, and bas--rd. 3. there is alot of drinking and smoking, and a girl wins a drinking contest. 4. no sexual themes but some kissing. 5. Indiana jones seems to have no regard for his enimies,he just kills them without even caring. so it's a great adventure movie for tweens who don't get creeped out esily.
- I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
Indy's first adventure isn't disapointing!
Indiana Jones is a great movie! Kids's eight and up is about how young they could be with parental supervision. It does have a lot of voilence and some blood, I think it is 97 percent appropriate for ages 11 and up though!
- I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
Indiana jones is the best!
this movie is definately my favourite out of the indiana jones series so far. Its a wonderfull action/adventure type film that takes you all over the place. its done well. i recomend it for ages 7 or 8+. although i do remember when i was that age i thought the ending was scary but i didnt really take much notice of the fighting. i suppose the violence is questionable but everyone takes things differently. :P
- I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
Good
- I rate this title iffy for age 2 and give it
Awesome non-stop adventure!
This movie is a classic. A great non-stop adventure by Steven Speilberg, filled with thrills, action, and everything. There isn't too much violence, just a little blood, a lot of hand-to-hand combat, and guns, and there's only one little referance. It's a great movie, I say. All action/adventure fans should see this! It's great!
