Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)

Sources

Influenced By

1. Secret of the Incas (1954)
   "Charlton Heston's portrayal of Harry Steele, an adventurer seeking an ancient Incan artifact, closely mirrors Indiana Jones' character. The film features Heston in attire similar to Indy's iconic look, including a brown leather jacket and fedora. Costume designer Deborah Nadoolman Landis noted the resemblance, stating that the crew watched "Secret of the Incas" multiple times and found it "almost a shot for shot" inspiration for "Raiders."" Secret of the Incas Wikipedia
2. Gunga Din (1939)
   "This film features British soldiers facing off against a cult in colonial India, with action sequences and exotic settings that resemble those in "Raiders." The camaraderie among the protagonists and the blend of humor and adventure are elements that "Raiders" emulated." Gunga Din %28film%29 Wikipedia
3. The Maltese Falcon (1941)
   "This film introduced the concept of a coveted artifact—the Maltese Falcon—that drives characters to obsession and treachery. Similarly, "Raiders" centers around the pursuit of the Ark of the Covenant, with various factions vying for its possession. The theme of a valuable object leading to moral corruption is a shared element between the two films." Raiders of the Lost Ark and the Many Influences of Indiana Jones David Crow Den of Geek
4. The Man Who Would Be King (1975)
   "Starring Sean Connery and Michael Caine, this adventure film follows two British ex-soldiers who become rulers in a remote land. Its themes of exploration, treasure hunting, and the consequences of hubris parallel the adventures of Indiana Jones. The film's tone and narrative structure influenced the storytelling approach of "Raiders."" The Sean Connery Movie That Inspired Spielberg’s Raiders of the Lost Ark and the Indiana Jones Franchise David Grove MovieWeb
5. The Treasure of the Sierra Madre (1948)
   "Humphrey Bogart's character dons a fedora and leather jacket while searching for gold in Mexico, a look that inspired Indiana Jones' attire. The film's exploration of greed and moral dilemmas during a treasure hunt influenced the thematic depth of "Raiders."" Far Out Magazine source

Influenced

6. TÁR (2022)
   "Field projected this film numerous times as a high school projectionist, which sparked his love for cinema." In a Way, Indiana Jones Is an AncesTÁR Jennifer Zhan Vulture
7. Sky Pirates (1986)
   "An Australian adventure film that draws heavily from "Raiders of the Lost Ark," incorporating similar themes of treasure hunting and high-flying action. The film was directly inspired by "Raiders," aiming to capture its adventurous essence." Sky Pirates Wikipedia
8. Allan Quatermain and the Lost City of Gold (1986)
   "This film was produced to capitalize on the success of "Raiders," featuring a similar treasure-hunting protagonist and adventurous plot. It was made simultaneously with its predecessor, "King Solomon's Mines," and shares a comparable tone to the Indiana Jones series." Allan Quatermain and the Lost City of Gold Wikipedia
9. The Mummy (1999)
   "This film mirrors "Raiders" with its 1920s setting, Egyptian backdrop, and a plot centered around uncovering ancient artifacts. The similarities in tone and style have led critics to describe it as "the Indiana Jones for a new generation."" 10 Best Movies Inspired By The Indiana Jones Franchise Nathan Sharp ScreenRant