Indiana Jones is one of the most iconic and beloved film series of all time, but not many other movies like Indiana Jones are able to capture the same level of magic. With the perfect balance of action and adventure, the films have captivated audiences even decades after their time in theaters. Likewise, with the addition of history and the dash of supernatural elements, there is a little something for everyone to enjoy in Steven Spielberg's movie.
Indiana Jones, with five movies and a prequel television series, follows an archeology professor as he gets caught up in the search for historic (and sometimes mythic) objects that someone else always wants for nefarious purposes. Harrison Ford has played the character for all of his movie appearances, giving the character a certain kind of charm that not all leads in adventure movies have. These particular action-adventure movies like Indiana Jones come very close.
15 Jungle Cruise (2021)
- Available to stream on Disney Plus
Based on the Disney theme park ride of the same name, it might not seem like Jungle Cruise has a lot in common with the Indiana Jones movies at first glance, but it does. It has the same sense of humor as the Harrison Ford movies and the same charisma among its leads Dwayne Johnson, Emily Blunt, and Jack Whitehall.
Jungle Cruise, like a lot of other movies like Indiana Jones, also features an actual search for treasure and a magical object. It also features soldiers, though these would be the undead variety, searching for the same things. Though the bulk of the movie takes place on a river instead of in temples, Jungle Cruise still has a lot of the elements Indiana Jones fans will look for in a movie.
14 The Adventures Of Tintin (2011)
- Available to stream on Paramount Plus
As another film from Steven Spielberg, The Adventures of Tintin is a wonderful action/adventure story that is also perfect for a younger audience as well. Thanks to the iconic filmmaker’s influence, much of the movie feels as though it has a lot of older, classic elements that also made the Indiana Jones films so fantastic.
Likewise, with the inclusion of history and other fantastical elements from the film, it feels all the more similar to Indiana Jones. Thanks to the influence of Peter Jackson as well, The Adventures of Tintin was a stunning visual masterpiece. Though it is still very different from Indiana Jones, The Adventures of Tintin is perfect for anyone seeking the classical adventure feel.
13 Onward (2020)
- Available to stream on Disney Plus
Another fantastic animated movie that will fulfill any adventure craving is Pixar's Onward. This movie sustains the usual standard that Pixar has set, mixing in all the emotions expected, from happiness and laughter all the way to utter sadness and heartbreak.
However, along the way, it is simply an amazing adventure of two brothers trying to see their father one last time. Set in a mystical world where unicorns and pixies roam the land, there are some incredibly brilliant magical moments and a real sense of adventure. While the fantasy elements set it apart, it's that sense of adventure that makes it one of the movies like Indiana Jones.
12 Tomb Raider (2018)
- Available to stream on TNT
The Lara Croft films have had a tendency to struggle to find great success. However, they have gone down as popular cult films. Inspired by the games, Lara Croft herself is very similar to Indiana Jones. Furthermore, the newest Tomb Raider film has the most positive reviews out of the others in the series making it the ideal film in the franchise for Indiana Jones fans.
While this version is very modern and more based on survival, there are still several great things about it that relate to the Indiana Jones films, like the quest to beat the bad guys to the ancient relic. Though the recent one is also a bit darker than the ones before it, there are still plenty of great action and adventure moments that make it ideal for any Indiana Jones fan.
11 The Revenant (2015)
- Available to rent through Amazon and Apple
The Revenant is a far more serious movie than any Indiana Jones flick and is perhaps considered to be a more adult adventure film. Of course, it is far more graphic and gruesome, but that only enhances the tension with how realistic everything is. While the tension in Indiana Jones comes from a gunfight or a rolling boulder, the tension in The Revenant comes from the wilderness itself.
This western will grip audiences from the start and features some stunning acting from Leonardo DiCaprio and Tom Hardy in particular. It might lack the humor and light-hearted moments that Indiana Jones has, but it more than makes up for it with stunning details and fantastic action.
10 Romancing The Stone (1984)
- Available to rent through Amazon and Vudu
With a heavier focus on the romantic side, Romancing the Stone is still very similar to Indiana Jones. With a rough and tough lead actor who very strongly resembles Indiana himself, Michael Douglas’ Jack Colton manages to capture the same action/adventure-type hero that Ford did. Granted, there are still some key differences between them, but the overall feel of the film plays out similarly to that of Indiana Jones. Likewise, with the inclusion of the treasure-hunting element in Romancing the Stone, there are plenty of similarities for fans of movies like Indiana Jones to enjoy in this film.
9 The Princess Bride (1987)
- Available to stream on Disney+
Another classic movie like Indiana Jones is The Princess Bride, which is an amazing adventure film. It has everything needed to make a great adventure, from sword fights and pirates to giants and romance, with plenty going on throughout.
It has the family feel that Indiana Jones does, with this being a movie that has plenty of light-hearted moments for everyone of any age to enjoy. While it might not have the historical nods that Indy's adventures do, this film dips more into the fantasy world, but it is just as enjoyable. Where it has the most similarity is in the romantic dynamic between the leads. Just as Indiana Jones finds himself bickering with the women he's interested in, that dynamic exists between Wesley (Cary Elwes) and Buttercup (Robin Wright) as well before they're honest about their feelings.
8 Journey To The Center Of The Earth (2008)
- Available to stream on DirecTV
Despite the movie’s incredibly cheesy elements, Journey to the Center of the Earth is a great action/adventure family film. Though it isn’t anything too special in of plot or CGI, the overall story is still enjoyable and appropriate for a younger audience. Inspired by the Jules Verne novel, fans of the classic adaptations will find this one very different. While the film’s sequel proved to be far worse, Journey to the Center of the Earth is a great movie that a lot of older Indiana Jones fans could happily sit down and watch with their kids.
7 King Kong (2005)
- Available to stream on Peacock
While Indiana Jones might not have a giant ape-like King Kong, the two movies do have many similarities. It's set in the deep mystical jungle, with a brilliant old-school feel that has some fantastic action moments with a great mix of shooting and true fighting, alongside some over-the-top battles between Kong and the Dinosaurs.
There are plenty of fun characters within this movie like Indiana Jones, all pushing for their own personal story and making their own judgments. With a stunning setting and some fantastical elements, this really is an adventure for the ages that feels large in scale, yet deeply personal at the same time.
6 The Goonies (1985)
- Available to stream on Hulu
The Goonies is effectively an Indiana Jones film that stars a younger group of kids. In fact, actor Ke Huy Quan even starred in both films, playing Data in The Goonies and Short Round in Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984). Furthermore, Steven Spielberg also had a hand in both projects, so it would make sense for the two films to have a similar feel to them.
Though The Goonies surrounds a group of kids and is far more family-oriented, it still has the same thrills in the adventure that the group is on. The mystery, cast, and aesthetics in The Goonies also tends to mimic that of the Indiana Jones films, adding to the charm and fun of the overall film. Needless to say, The Goonies is a must-watch for any fan of the Indiana Jones movies.
