Common Sense Media Review
More gore, gross-outs than the other Indy blockbusters.
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Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 52 parent reviews
Parents say that this sequel is significantly darker and more graphic than its predecessor, featuring intense scenes of violence, child abduction, and disturbing rituals that may not be suitable for younger audiences. Many reviews highlight its adventurous elements and entertaining aspects, but caution against allowing children under 12 to watch it due to the excessively gory content and unsettling themes.
- dark themes
- intense violence
- unsuitable for children
- adventurous elements
- graphic scenes
- parental guidance needed
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 154 kid reviews
Kids say the second installment of the Indiana Jones franchise is known for its extreme gore and intense violence, including scenes where a man's heart is dramatically ripped out and horrific depictions of child slavery and cruel rituals. Many critics also criticize its uncomfortable portrayals of Indian culture and gender roles, stating it is not suitable for younger audiences due to its graphic content and suggestive themes.
- graphic violence
- cultural insensitivity
- inappropriate for kids
- suggestive content
- intense themes
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
Set before Indiana Jones tangled with the Nazis over the Ark of the Covenant, 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 stones -- and their kidnapped children -- from evil Mola Ram (Amrish Puri).
Is It Any Good?
Despite entertaining chase sequences and dazzling stunts, this loud, frenzied sequel is mostly an exercise in excess. It's creepy and violent and, at times, verges on 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, letting 12-year-old Quan shine in his breakout role. But intrigue quickly disintegrates into pandemonium. Indy, so effortlessly heroic in Raiders, is frequently mean in this movie. While its classic Hollywood action remains a spectacle to watch, other aspects of the movie -- notably, its racist portrayals of Indians and Hindus, plus the franchise's weakest female lead -- take away from its enjoyment level.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about stereotypes in movies. What kinds did you notice in Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom? How are they harmful?
What does Indiana Jones stand for? If he's a "good guy," why does he break the rules? In what situations is that OK, if ever? What separates him from the "bad guys"?
How do the scares and gross-out factors of the movie compare to those of others in the series? Do you think they're appropriate for kids?
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
- In theaters : May 23, 1984
- On DVD or streaming : October 26, 1999
- Cast : Harrison Ford , Kate Capshaw , Ke Huy Quan
- Director : Steven Spielberg
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s) , Asian Movie Actor(s) , Female Movie Writer(s)
- Studio : Paramount Pictures
- Genre : Action/Adventure
- Topics : Adventures
- Character Strengths : Courage , Perseverance , Teamwork
- Run time : 118 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : violence
- Last updated : December 29, 2025
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