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Disney Celebrates 45th Anniversary of Raiders of the Lost Ark with New Jersey and Ranking of the Indiana Jones Series
Disney Store has launched a 45th‑anniversary collection to honor the original 1981 film Raiders of the Lost Ark. The collection includes a Spirit Jersey for adults that displays the Ark of the Covenant and the character of Indiana Jones, as well as replica props from Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. The jersey and other merchandise are available on the Disney Store website and in select Disney Parks.
The release comes after a recent article that ranked all five Indiana Jones movies from worst to best. The ranking places the 2023 film Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny at the bottom, followed by Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (2008), Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989), Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984), and the original Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981) at the top.
The franchise was created by George Lucas and first appeared in Raiders of the Lost Ark, which was directed by Steven Spielberg and starred Harrison Ford as the titular archaeologist. The first four films were directed by Spielberg, while the fifth film was directed by James Mangold, who also co‑wrote the screenplay. Ford has portrayed Indiana Jones in all five films.
Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny was released in 2023. It had a production budget of $419 million and earned $384 million worldwide, making it the lowest‑grossing film in the series. The film’s opening featured a CGI‑heavy sequence in which Ford’s character is de‑aged, a creative choice that received mixed reactions.
Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull was released in 2008. The film is set in 1957 and follows Indy as he competes with Soviet KGB agents, led by Cate Blanchett, to locate a telepathic crystal skull in Peru. The movie pays homage to 1950s science‑fiction B‑movies, including a scene in which a refrigerator helps Indy survive an atomic blast. Karen Allen returns as Marion Ravenwood, and Shia LaBeouf plays Indy’s son, Mutt Williams.
Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade was released in 1989. The film features Sean Connery as Indy’s father, Henry, and follows the pair as they search for the Holy Grail while confronting Nazi forces. The movie was a financial success, earning $474.2 million worldwide.
Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom was released in 1984. The film is set in India and includes a controversial dinner scene at Pankot Palace that has been criticized for cultural bias. The movie’s bridge sequence is noted for its action and is considered a highlight by many fans.
Raiders of the Lost Ark was released in 1981. The film was shot on a $20 million budget and used practical effects for its action sequences, including a sword fight and a chase through a temple. It earned approximately $354 million worldwide and is widely regarded as one of the greatest action‑adventure films of all time.
The Disney Store’s anniversary collection also includes a hat cap featuring the Indiana Jones logo, and the company has announced a limited‑edition Spirit Jersey that showcases the Ark of the Covenant and the character of Indy. These items are part of Disney’s broader strategy to celebrate iconic properties on milestone anniversaries.
The Indiana Jones franchise continues to influence popular culture and has expanded beyond film to include a television series, video games, comics, and theme‑park attractions. The 45th‑anniversary merchandise provides fans with a tangible connection to the original 1981 film while the ranking article offers a retrospective view of the series’ evolution.
The Disney Store’s collection is available for purchase online and in Disney Parks, and the anniversary celebration highlights the enduring legacy of the Indiana Jones franchise and its impact on the action‑adventure genre.
The release comes after a recent article that ranked all five Indiana Jones movies from worst to best. The ranking places the 2023 film Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny at the bottom, followed by Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (2008), Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989), Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984), and the original Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981) at the top.
The franchise was created by George Lucas and first appeared in Raiders of the Lost Ark, which was directed by Steven Spielberg and starred Harrison Ford as the titular archaeologist. The first four films were directed by Spielberg, while the fifth film was directed by James Mangold, who also co‑wrote the screenplay. Ford has portrayed Indiana Jones in all five films.
Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny was released in 2023. It had a production budget of $419 million and earned $384 million worldwide, making it the lowest‑grossing film in the series. The film’s opening featured a CGI‑heavy sequence in which Ford’s character is de‑aged, a creative choice that received mixed reactions.
Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull was released in 2008. The film is set in 1957 and follows Indy as he competes with Soviet KGB agents, led by Cate Blanchett, to locate a telepathic crystal skull in Peru. The movie pays homage to 1950s science‑fiction B‑movies, including a scene in which a refrigerator helps Indy survive an atomic blast. Karen Allen returns as Marion Ravenwood, and Shia LaBeouf plays Indy’s son, Mutt Williams.
Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade was released in 1989. The film features Sean Connery as Indy’s father, Henry, and follows the pair as they search for the Holy Grail while confronting Nazi forces. The movie was a financial success, earning $474.2 million worldwide.
Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom was released in 1984. The film is set in India and includes a controversial dinner scene at Pankot Palace that has been criticized for cultural bias. The movie’s bridge sequence is noted for its action and is considered a highlight by many fans.
Raiders of the Lost Ark was released in 1981. The film was shot on a $20 million budget and used practical effects for its action sequences, including a sword fight and a chase through a temple. It earned approximately $354 million worldwide and is widely regarded as one of the greatest action‑adventure films of all time.
The Disney Store’s anniversary collection also includes a hat cap featuring the Indiana Jones logo, and the company has announced a limited‑edition Spirit Jersey that showcases the Ark of the Covenant and the character of Indy. These items are part of Disney’s broader strategy to celebrate iconic properties on milestone anniversaries.
The Indiana Jones franchise continues to influence popular culture and has expanded beyond film to include a television series, video games, comics, and theme‑park attractions. The 45th‑anniversary merchandise provides fans with a tangible connection to the original 1981 film while the ranking article offers a retrospective view of the series’ evolution.
The Disney Store’s collection is available for purchase online and in Disney Parks, and the anniversary celebration highlights the enduring legacy of the Indiana Jones franchise and its impact on the action‑adventure genre.
