Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

movie1981

82%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

The adventure movie that launched a thousand fedoras—thrilling, iconic, and just scary enough to make bedtime interesting.

94%

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Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark

movie

PG, 1981

82%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

The adventure movie that launched a thousand fedoras—thrilling, iconic, and just scary enough to make bedtime interesting.

94%

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94%

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Screenwise Verdict

Raiders is the gold standard of adventure movies—the one that invented the template everyone else copies. It's genuinely thrilling, funny, and smart, with action that still makes you hold your breath even though you've seen it a dozen times.

That said, it earns its 'not for young kids' warnings. The face-melting scene at the end is legitimately horrifying, and the constant peril (snakes! Nazis! Poison darts! Explosions!) adds up. This isn't Marvel-style sanitized action—people die, sometimes gruesomely.

But for kids 12 and up? This is essential viewing. It's a masterclass in storytelling, it makes history and archaeology cool, and it gives you a hero who uses his brain as much as his fists. Plus, it's just wildly entertaining. Preview it if your kid is on the younger/more sensitive side, but otherwise, this is a rite of passage.

Age Fit

This is squarely for tweens and up—most sources land on 11-12+ as the sweet spot. Younger kids will be scared by the intensity and horror elements; older kids and adults will appreciate the adventure, humor, and craft. It's a genuine family classic, but 'family' here means middle schoolers and their parents.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Classic adventure with clear hero-villain dynamics, humor, and teamwork. Indy is resourceful and brave without being gratuitously violent. The romance between Indy and Marion is spirited but age-appropriate. Some intensity (snakes, chase scenes, melting faces) may be too much for younger kids, but the overall tone is optimistic and fun. No cynicism or mean-spiritedness.

Imaginative

Pioneered the modern adventure-archaeology genre and sparked countless imaginations. Exotic locales, puzzle-solving in ancient temples, mythical artifacts—it's a masterclass in world-building that invites kids to think about history, exploration, and problem-solving. The film's creativity in action sequences (boulder chase, truck fight, submarine) remains iconic and has inspired generations of filmmakers and storytellers.

Safe

Multiple sources agree this is best for 12+. Moderate violence (gunfights, fistfights, deaths), intense scares (face-melting finale, snakes, spiders), and a brief scene of Marion in her bra make this unsuitable for younger children. No explicit language or sexual content, but the action and supernatural horror elements can be genuinely frightening. Parents should preview and be ready to discuss.

Enriching

Introduces archaeology, history (WWII, Nazis as antagonists), and biblical mythology in an accessible way. Indy models intelligence, courage, and quick thinking under pressure. The film raises questions about cultural artifacts, ethics of treasure-hunting, and the clash between science and faith. It's entertaining first, but offers plenty of teachable moments about history, morality, and heroism.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Absolutely legendary action sequences (that boulder! that truck chase!) that still hold up 40+ years later
Harrison Ford's Indy is the perfect blend of smart professor and tough adventurer—kids see that brains AND bravery matter
Sparks genuine interest in archaeology, ancient history, and world cultures without feeling like homework
Marion Ravenwood is a tough, independent female character who holds her own (refreshing even by today's standards)
Clear good vs. evil storytelling with Nazis as villains—no moral ambiguity to confuse younger viewers

⚠

What to Watch For

The face-melting finale is genuinely disturbing—even some adults find it nightmare fuel
Lots of snakes (Indy's phobia is a running gag), plus spiders, rats, and other creepy-crawlies that may freak out younger kids
Violence is frequent: gunfights, stabbings, explosions, people falling to their deaths—it's not gory but it's constant
Brief scene of Marion changing clothes (seen in bra) and some mild innuendo about their past relationship
Intense suspense throughout—collapsing temples, poison darts, being sealed in tombs—may be too much for anxious kids

Conversation Starters

"Why do you think the Nazis wanted the Ark so badly? What does that tell us about how people use history and religion?"
"Indy is terrified of snakes but still goes into that tomb. When have you had to do something brave even though you were scared?"
"What do you think about taking artifacts from other countries and putting them in museums? Who should they belong to?"
"Marion drinks that guy under the table and punches people out. How is she different from other movie heroines you've seen?"
"The movie shows the Ark has real supernatural power. Do you think that's just movie magic or does it make you curious about the real history?"

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