🎞 MTDbBest ofBy yearBy genreBy runtimeBrowse (app)

MTDb › Best of › 1981 › Raiders of the Lost Ark

Raiders of the Lost Ark poster

Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)

“The return of the great adventure.”

7.9/10 · 13,971 votes 1h 55m pg ActionAdventure

#2 of 42 films from 1981 #84 of 2168 in action

Directed by Steven Spielberg · Written by George Lucas, Philip Kaufman, Lawrence Kasdan

▶ Trailer, images & where to stream

Overview

When Dr. Indiana Jones – the tweed-suited professor who just happens to be a celebrated archaeologist – is hired by the government to locate the legendary Ark of the Covenant, he finds himself up against the entire Nazi regime.

Cast

Harrison Fordas Indiana Jones
Karen Allenas Marion Ravenwood
Paul Freemanas Dr. René Belloq
John Rhys-Daviesas Sallah
Ronald Laceyas Major Arnold Toht
Wolf Kahleras Colonel Dietrich
Anthony Higginsas Gobler
Denholm Elliottas Dr. Marcus Brody
Alfred Molinaas Satipo
Vic Tablianas Barranca / Monkey Man
Don Fellowsas Col. Musgrove
William Hootkinsas Major Eaton
George Harrisas Katanga
Fred Sorensonas Jock

Facts

Release dateJune 12, 1981
Runtime115 min (1h 55m) — about the same as the 1981 average of 108 min
GenresAction, Adventure
LanguageEN
Budget$18,000,000
Box office$389,925,971 (21.7× budget)
IMDbtt0082971

More from Steven Spielberg

Schindler's ListSchindler's List1993 · ★ 8.6 · 3h 15m Saving Private RyanSaving Private Ryan1998 · ★ 8.2 · 2h 49m Jurassic ParkJurassic Park1993 · ★ 8.0 · 2h 7m Catch Me If You CanCatch Me If You Can2002 · ★ 8.0 · 2h 21m Indiana Jones and the Last CrusadeIndiana Jones and the Last Crusade1989 · ★ 7.9 · 2h 7m JawsJaws1975 · ★ 7.7 · 2h 4m The Color PurpleThe Color Purple1985 · ★ 7.7 · 2h 34m Ready Player OneReady Player One2018 · ★ 7.6 · 2h 20m

If you liked Raiders of the Lost Ark

Same genre, released within a few years, sorted by TMDB rating.

The Empire Strikes BackThe Empire Strikes Back1980 · ★ 8.4 · 2h 4m Star WarsStar Wars1977 · ★ 8.2 · 2h 1m Castle in the SkyCastle in the Sky1986 · ★ 8.0 · 2h 5m Indiana Jones and the Last CrusadeIndiana Jones and the Last Crusade1989 · ★ 7.9 · 2h 7m Return of the JediReturn of the Jedi1983 · ★ 7.9 · 2h 12m Dersu UzalaDersu Uzala1975 · ★ 7.9 · 2h 21m PredatorPredator1987 · ★ 7.6 · 1h 47m The 36th Chamber of ShaolinThe 36th Chamber of Shaolin1978 · ★ 7.5 · 1h 56m

Questions

How long is Raiders of the Lost Ark?
Raiders of the Lost Ark runs 115 minutes (1h 55m).
Is Raiders of the Lost Ark worth watching?
TMDB users give it 7.9/10 across 13,971 votes, which places it #2 of 42 films released in 1981 in this index (top 98%) and #84 among 2168 action titles.
Who directed Raiders of the Lost Ark?
Raiders of the Lost Ark was directed by Steven Spielberg. Other well-rated titles by the same director: Schindler's List (1993), Saving Private Ryan (1998), Jurassic Park (1993).
Who stars in Raiders of the Lost Ark?
Harrison Ford as Indiana Jones; Karen Allen as Marion Ravenwood; Paul Freeman as Dr. René Belloq; John Rhys-Davies as Sallah; Ronald Lacey as Major Arnold Toht; Wolf Kahler as Colonel Dietrich.
What is Raiders of the Lost Ark rated?
It carries a pg certification in its home market. Ratings differ by country.
Where can I watch the trailer for Raiders of the Lost Ark?
Open the title in the MTDb app for trailers, images and streaming links: https://mv.peoplentools.com/titles/10795.

Browse

Best of 1981Best actionAction of the 1980sBest adventureAdventure of the 1980sAll lists
MTDb·Best films by year, genre and runtime·A century in numbers·Browse and watch trailers

Film data and images from TMDB. This product uses the TMDB API but is not endorsed or certified by TMDB. Ratings are TMDB user scores as of 2026-10-05.