Raiders of the Lost Ark Redefined Adventure Movies in the 80s

It was back in 1981 when Raiders of the Lost Ark burst onto the silver screen to completely redefine adventure movies in the 80s.

Raiders of the Lost Ark was released in the summer of 1981. The film captured the inspiration and imagination of audiences around the country. This iconic film managed to redefine the entire adventure genre. The dynamic duo behind the Raiders of the Lost Ark were Steven Spielberg and George Lucas. With Harrison Ford as the star, the film changed our perception of archaeology forever. It was the perfect blend of old-fashioned adventure, and cutting-edge special effects that made it one of the most memorable movies in the 80s.

How Movies in the 80s Tapped into Political and Social Backdrop of the Era

There was a level of nostalgia in the film, which was set during World War II, but played on more current political and social issues of the decade. At the time, America was rediscovering its love for bold and heroic narratives. With the Cold War being broadcast all over the news, on every single channel, people wanted to get away from all of the politics of the decade.

Spielberg and Lucas were influenced by the 1930s and 1940s adventure serials. These stories had captivated audiences with their cliffhangers and daring protagonists. The dynamic duo sought to revive the spirit of those adventures while using more modern filmmaking techniques. In doing so, not only did they manage to pay homage to the past, but they also created a whole new template for action-adventure movies in the 80s.

The Impact of Raiders of the Lost Ark on Movies in the 80s

Raiders of the Lost Ark had a huge impact on movies in the 80s, thanks to the rise of blockbuster films, the use of practical effects, and the demand for more character-driven action films.

The Rise of Blockbuster Films

It’s important to remember that Raiders of the Lost Ark was released at the beginning of the decade. As a result, they played a significant role in reshaping the blockbuster model of the decade. The film itself was a massive success at the box office. Raiders of the Lost Ark grossed more than $300 million worldwide. And, if cemented the idea that large-scale, high-budget adventure films could draw large audiences. Sure, both Jaws and Star Wars had already proven that lackluster films were the current trend, but Raiders of the Lost Ark took it to a whole new level.

Because of the success of the film, Raiders of the Lost Ark inspired the creation of countless other movies in the 80s. In 1984, you have the film Romancing of the Stone which was an adventure film set and the jungles of Columbia. You also had The Goonies in 1985 which was a kid’s action adventure based on exploration, coming-of-age, and pirates. These films all followed the same template that was created by Raiders of the Lost Ark which had embraced larger-than-life quests, treasure hunts, and of course, exotic settings.

The Use of Practical Effects and Stunts in Movies in the 80s

Although the 80s saw the rise of the personal computer, CGI was not a major contributor to the success of most movies in the 80s. Instead, some of the most popular and memorable films of the decade used practical effects and stunts to inspire their audiences. And, Raiders of the Lost Ark was no different. Spielberg was well known for his dedication to realism. He spends a lot of time creating elaborate stunts and physical set pieces that would leave audiences feeling exhilarated. Perhaps one of the most popular practical effects was the Rolling Rock scene.

This focus on practical effects and stunts helped to make the film more real. And that set a whole new standard for action films throughout the 80s. Audiences were simply captivated by the authenticity and danger of these very real-looking sequences. It created a demand for more sophisticated stunt work in Hollywood. Stunt work during the 80s was at its highest, as real-life action sequences were in demand because they enthralled the audiences.

Character-Driven Adventure Films of the 80s

Another trend that Raiders of the Lost Ark helped to popularize in movies in the 80s, was the importance of a character-driven action-adventure. Indiana Jones was an archaeologist. He had what most people at the time would have considered to be a very boring job. But with the help of his wit, resourcefulness, and moral complexity, he rose to become one of the most popular action heroes of the time. Simply put, Harrison Ford’s role as Indiana Jones was relatable because he was intense and filled with moments of humor and vulnerability.

As a result, Indiana Jones quickly became one of the most beloved characters in cinematic history. Harrison Ford’s portrayal of Indiana Jones showed us a flawed but very lovable hero who broke away from the traditional protagonists of earlier films. Together the team created a more layered approach to character development, that helped to influence countless future films. This type of character development can also be seen in movies like Die Hard, or The Mummy.

How Spielberg, Lucas, and Ford Redefined Movies in the 80s

Raiders of the Lost Ark would not have been as successful if it weren’t for Steven Spielberg, George Lucas, and Harrison Ford. Spielberg had already established himself as a successful director. He brought his command of pacing and suspense to the project. And, he crafted memorable action scenes that helped to make the film larger-than-life.

At the same time, George Lucas had just finished Star Wars. The film was a huge box-office success. And, with that same creative mind, he developed the character of Indiana Jones and envisioned a film that would pay homage to the adventure serials of the past. But he couldn’t do it alone, because he also needed from and after that, he had worked with in the filming of Star Wars.

This is where Harrison Ford came in. He had worked with George Lucas on Star Wars and was already an established action-adventure star. He had charm and wit but was also very humble. This made him an enduring character and helped to create his persona as a cultural icon of the 80s.

The Legacy of Raiders of the Lost Ark

Naturally, the impact of the Raiders of the Lost Ark extended far beyond movies in the 80s. The film was so successful that it led to the creation of an entire franchise. In 1984, we saw Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom. This was then followed by Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade in 1989.

The impact of *Raiders of the Lost Ark* extended far beyond the 1980s. The film’s success led to the creation of an entire franchise, with sequels like *Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom* (1984) and *Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade* (1989) becoming equally beloved. Indiana Jones became a pop culture icon, recognizable by his fedora, whip, and adventurous spirit. His character influenced countless future adventurers in film, television, and even video games. Audiences would have to wait nearly 2 decades for the next installment, The Kingdom of the Crystal Skulls which was released in 2008. Followed by another 2 decades for the final installment of the franchise, The Dial of Destiny.

Conclusion

it’s important to remember that Raiders of the Lost Ark wasn’t just a defining moment in movies in the 80s. It was a groundbreaking achievement that completely reshaped action adventure movies forever. Its use of practical effects and strong character development help to create a more realistic character. And, it helped to captivate audiences around the world. Despite nearly 4 decades, Indiana Jones is still as popular today as he was back in 1981.