Harrison Ford stars as the globe-trotting archeologist, Indiana Jones, in four action-packed films (with a fifth in production). In his various quests, Indy encounters Nazis, cultists, and Soviet soldiers, making use of his impeccable skills in fisticuffs, alongside his trusty pistol and signature whip. Jones makes quick work of his opponents, but the main villains of each installment all share similar downfalls and none of which are directly caused by Indiana Jones himself.
Created by George Lucas and Steven Spielberg, the Indiana Jones films are homages to the classic pulp adventure fiction that both creatives grew up on. In this regard, the films are similar to the Star Wars movies, which combined elements of various genres that George Lucas adored throughout his life. Although the Indiana Jones films are renowned for their action set pieces, the films’ strength comes from their focus on the emotional journeys of Indy and his companions.
A common theme throughout the four Indiana Jones films is the need to respect and protect historical artifacts and their potentially supernatural qualities. In each film, Indy finds himself pursuing an ancient and powerful McGuffin before it’s taken by a villainous party. In Raiders of the Lost Ark, and Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, the Ark of the Covenant and the Holy Grail are each sought by the Nazis, who seek their supernatural abilities. The Thuggees and Soviets similarly attempt to use the Sankara stones and crystals skulls for nefarious purposes. In each instance, it’s precisely these items that prove key to the main villains’ deaths.
Indy and Marion fail to stop the Nazis from acquiring the Ark in Raiders, but René Belloq’s insistence on opening the Ark results in the fittingly grisly doom of Belloq and his Nazi cohorts. Mola Ram dies when a Sankara stone burns his hand, causing him to fall to his death. The American Nazi-sympathizer, Walter Donovan, drinks from the wrong Holy Grail, killing him by rapidly aging him to death. Irina Spalko’s greed for knowledge proves to be her undoing in Crystal Skull when the resurrected aliens flood her mind with an overwhelming amount of knowledge.
In each of these instances, it’s not Indiana Jones’ actions that kill the main villains, it’s their character flaws. Belloq disrespected the Ark by opening it and gazing at the spirits that came out of it. Mola Ram used the Sankara stones for horrific purposes, until they “fought back,” sending him to his doom. Donovan failed to see the humblest cup as the Holy Grail, choosing the most fanciful instead. Spalko bit off more than she could chew by demanding more knowledge than her mind could handle. Indiana Jones and his companions are often safe from these supernatural elements because they respect them.
A common criticism of Raiders is that Indiana Jones isn’t relevant to the conclusion of his movie, but actively defeating the villains wasn’t the point of any of the Indiana Jones films. Indy’s reunion with Marion, his rejection of treasure hunting for “fortune and glory,” reconnecting with his father, and starting a family with Marion and Mutt were all far more important than the literal treasure hunts. With this in mind, it’s fitting that the main villains of each Indiana Jones film dying from their greed, hubris, and disrespect for history.
