8 Movies From The 21st Century To Watch If You Love Indiana Jones

Few adventure films have cast a shadow quite as large as Indiana Jones, but some modern movies would make ideal follow-ups. Since first cracking a whip in Raiders of the Lost Ark, Harrison Ford's globe-trotting archaeologist has inspired countless imitators, spiritual successors, and treasure hunters. The franchise's blend of ancient mysteries, exotic locations, booby-trapped ruins, and wisecracking action is still one of Hollywood's most influential formulas.

Part of Indiana Jones' appeal is that the movies never rely solely on spectacle. Indy regularly gets beaten up, makes mistakes, and survives through a combination of intelligence, determination, and sheer luck. That combination of thrilling adventure and humor has proven difficult to replicate, but several modern movies have come surprisingly close.

Numerous contemporary movies lean heavily into treasure-hunting and historical puzzles. Yet they still capture the same sense of globe-spanning adventure or feature unlikely heroes stumbling into dangerous situations far beyond their comfort zones. A few even embrace the supernatural elements that helped make Indiana Jones so memorable in the first place.

Whether it's searching for lost artifacts, navigating ancient tombs, escaping deadly traps, or simply trading sarcastic one-liners while running from danger, these movies deliver many of the same thrills that have kept audiences returning to the Indiana Jones franchise for decades. For those looking for their next archaeological adventure (or at least a movie where someone gets chased through a jungle by something terrifying), these eight films are excellent places to start.

Jumanji: Welcome To The Jungle (2017)

While Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle swaps archaeology for a magical video game, it captures the adventurous spirit that makes Indiana Jones so enjoyable. Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart, Karen Gillan, and Jack Black play video game avatars inhabited by four ordinary teenagers who find themselves trapped inside a jungle adventure in a modern retelling of the beloved 1990s classic.

Like Indy, the heroes must solve puzzles, survive deadly obstacles, and uncover the secrets behind a mysterious artifact known as the Jaguar's Eye. Welcome to the Jungle’s action sequences are inventive, particularly its elaborate jungle chases and trap-filled environments.

Most importantly, Welcome to the Jungle understands that adventure should be fun. The cast's chemistry and constant jokes prevent the movie from taking itself too seriously, much like the best Indiana Jones installments.

National Treasure (2004)

If Indiana Jones had spent more time deciphering clues and less time dodging poison darts, the result might have looked a lot like National Treasure. Nicolas Cage stars as historian and treasure hunter Benjamin Franklin Gates, who discovers a conspiracy involving hidden treasure connected to the founding of the United States.

National Treasure turns American landmarks into puzzle pieces, with clues hidden in the Declaration of Independence, Independence Hall, and Trinity Church. Cage's enthusiastic performance perfectly sells the increasingly ridiculous treasure hunt.

Like Indy, Gates combines historical knowledge with a willingness to break a few rules in pursuit of discovery. This leads to a similar sense of adventure, though swapping Indiana’s ancient world journey for the United States. It produced one of the most entertaining adventure movies of the 2000s with a comparable balance of silliness and wonder.

Uncharted (2022)

Based on Naughty Dog's beloved video game series, Uncharted wears its Indiana Jones inspiration proudly. Tom Holland stars as Nathan Drake, a treasure hunter searching for Ferdinand Magellan's lost fortune while partnered with the morally flexible Victor "Sully" Sullivan, played by Mark Wahlberg.

Uncharted features ancient clues, hidden maps, elaborate puzzles, and globe-trotting action sequences. Its standout set piece sees Drake dangling from cargo being dropped from a plane, directly channeling the kind of escalating spectacle associated with Indy.

Nathan Drake may be younger and more acrobatic than Indiana Jones, but both heroes share a talent for finding trouble wherever treasure happens to be buried. Uncharted truly feels like Indiana Jones for a modern age, boasting more bombastic action amid a similar treasure-hunting tone.

Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (2001)

Angelina Jolie's first outing as Lara Croft in Tomb Raider is one of the clearest descendants of the Indiana Jones formula. Based on the hugely successful video game franchise, it follows Lara as she races against secret societies to recover pieces of a powerful ancient artifact.

Jolie brings charisma and confidence to the role, creating a heroine capable of solving ancient mysteries while surviving increasingly dangerous situations. The tombs, temples, and hidden chambers feel directly inspired by the archaeological adventures that made Indiana Jones famous, though with a distinctly modern, video game inflection.

While the action is a lot more stylized than anything Indy ever experienced, the combination of treasure hunting, mythology, and globe-spanning adventure makes Lara Croft: Tomb Raider an easy recommendation for Indiana Jones fans.

The Adventures Of Tintin (2011)

Steven Spielberg directing an adventure movie about a hero searching for hidden treasure was always going to attract comparisons to Indiana Jones. The Adventures of Tintin follows the young reporter Tintin and Captain Haddock as they uncover clues connected to a legendary lost treasure.

The motion-capture animation allows Spielberg to create action sequences impossible in live action. A spectacular chase through a Moroccan city stands among the director's most inventive set pieces, but some of the most eye-boggling moments are in the transitions between scenes.

Tintin's curiosity, intelligence, and determination mirror many of Indiana Jones' best qualities, while the direction and action sequences create numerous clear parallels. This makes The Adventures of Tintin one of the closest spiritual successors to Spielberg's own iconic franchise.

Jungle Cruise (2021)

Disney's Jungle Cruise embraces the adventure serial roots that inspired Indiana Jones in the first place. Dwayne Johnson stars as riverboat captain Frank Wolff, who reluctantly guides explorer Lily Houghton, played by Emily Blunt, on a quest to find the mythical Tears of the Moon.

Jungle Cruise combines ancient legends, supernatural threats, jungle exploration, and plenty of wisecracking banter. Johnson and Blunt's chemistry helps anchor the increasingly fantastical story, creating a similar sense of adventure and fun as Indiana Jones.

Several action scenes feel like loving tributes to Indiana Jones, particularly when the heroes find themselves navigating ancient ruins filled with long-forgotten dangers. Indeed, it’s unlikely Jungle Cruise would exist the same way without Indiana Jones establishing the formula first.

The Mummy Returns (2001)

While many prefer the first Mummy movie (which sadly would not qualify for this list), The Mummy Returns arguably delivers even more Indiana Jones-style storytelling. Brendan Fraser returns as Rick O'Connell, now embarking on another quest involving Ancient Egyptian artifacts and the resurrection of terrifying supernatural forces.

The sequel expands the scope considerably, sending its heroes across deserts, temples, and ancient cities while introducing the legendary Scorpion King. Fraser's lovable action hero energy often feels remarkably similar to Harrison Ford's approach as Indy, even sporting similar clothing and originating from a similar era.

The Mummy Returns, and indeed the whole franchise, is a lot like a British version of Indiana Jones. It fuses horror, comedy, mythology, and action in a way that recalls the supernatural adventures of Raiders of the Lost Ark and Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom.

The Lost City (2022)

The Lost City puts a comedic spin on the Indiana Jones formula. Sandra Bullock plays romance novelist Loretta Sage, who becomes involved in a real treasure hunt after an eccentric billionaire kidnaps her to locate a legendary lost treasure. Channing Tatum is hilarious as Alan, the well-meaning cover model who attempts to rescue her despite having absolutely none of Indiana Jones' qualifications.

Daniel Radcliffe also shines as the film's delightfully over-the-top villain. Beneath the comedy is a genuinely entertaining adventure movie packed with jungle exploration, ancient clues, hidden tombs, and escalating danger.

The Lost City affectionately pokes fun at the genre while delivering exactly the same kind of treasure-hunting excitement as Indiana Jones. While certainly not as impeccable as Raiders of the Lost Ark, The Lost City is a fun continuation of Indiana Jones’s riveting adventure style.