Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom

Movie review by Randy White, Common Sense Media
Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 12+

More gore, gross-outs than the other Indy blockbusters.

PG 1984 118 minutes
Rate movie

Parents say

age 12+

Based on 53 reviews

Kids say

age 11+

Based on 164 reviews

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.
Rate movie

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this movie.

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, the second in the Indiana Jones series -- along with Gremlins -- is the reason the PG-13 rating was ultimately created. In addition to the fights that marked the first Indy movie, this one also has potentially nightmare-inducing scenes of things like a man's beating heart being torn right out of his chest. Children are also worked near to death in the mines, and there are lots of gross-out activities -- none more nauseating than the eating of monkey brains and live snakes. There's also a bit of language and some flirting/sexual banter.

Community Reviews

Lotty6
Lotty6 Adult
September 26, 2021
age 12+
This one is more intense then the first one it still has lots of violence violence 6%10 gun fights hand to hand combat swords someone is tortured in the temple and his heart is ripped out but the camera films far away people eat monkey brains chases people fall of a bridge and are eating by crocodiles there is some language but I can’t remember I think one or two uses of s—t one use of barst—- d and probably damn my rating pg 13 violence some language and some scary scenes
1 person found this helpful.
Spider2003
Spider2003 Adult
May 27, 2022
age 12+

Indiana Jones and The Temple Of Doom Movie Review By Logan Strohl

It may be the darkest of the Indiana Jones films but it is really great and a whole lot of fun. Steven Spielberg delivers a another fun addition to the Indiana Jones film series. Kate Capshaw is a problem at times but even she can be forgiven for her role in the film. Also look out for the fun cameos in the film you will not be disappointed.

This title has:

Educational value
Great messages
Great role models
See all 53 parent reviews

What's the Story?

Set before Indiana Jones tangled with the Nazis over the lost ark, INDIANA JONES AND THE TEMPLE OF DOOM finds the archaeologist-adventurer on a mission to recover another priceless artifact and rescue enslaved children. After a narrow escape from Chinese gangsters, Indy (Harrison Ford), nightclub singer Willie (Kate Capshaw), and precocious 12-year-old Short Round (Ke Huy Quan) are asked by humble villagers to take on the Thuggees, an evil cult that practices human sacrifice. Indy and his friends face trained assassins, mind control potions, enormous bugs, and a wild ride in a mining cart as they try to retrieve the village's sacred stone -- and their kidnapped children -- from evil Mola Ram and his gang of Thuggees.

Is It Any Good?

Despite superior chase sequences and dazzling stunts, this loud and frenzied sequel is mostly an exercise in excess. It's loud, creepy, violent, and, at times, incoherent. While the pacing and tone of the first movie felt spot-on, Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom never really finds its rhythm. What the movie does have are some of the best stunts of the series, as well as outstanding chases.

Intrigue quickly disintegrates into endless pandemonium and the antics of two annoying sidekicks who never stop shouting and shrieking. Ford, so effortlessly heroic in Raiders, just seems mean in this film. Children will probably like Short Round and the movie's silly elephants, but parents should note that PG-13 rating was invented for this movie, after so many children who went to see it had the living daylights scared out of them.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about stereotypes in movies. Do you see any stereotypes in Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom? How can a stereotype be fun -- and how can it be offensive? Where do you draw the line?

  • What does Indiana Jones stand for? If he's a good guy, why does he break the rules? Is that OK? What separates him from the "bad" guys? Are real-life bad guys as thoroughly evil as the ones in movies?

  • Talk about the history behind the PG-13 rating. Do you think it was a good addition to the rating system? Why do you think this movie contributed to that decision?

  • How do the characters in Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom demonstrate perseverance, teamwork, and courage? Why are these important character strengths?

Movie Details

Our Editors Recommend

Character Strengths

Find more movies that help kids build character.

  • Young girl playing
    Courage
    See all
  • Child cross country skiing
    Perseverance
    See all
  • Hands together
    Teamwork
    See all

Themes & Topics

Browse titles with similar subject matter.

  • Cartoon picture of luggage and a map
    Adventures
    See all

Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.

See how we rate