Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade: The Final Film That Wasn’t

Few movie franchises hold a place in pop culture like Indiana Jones, and fans often cite Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade as the best entry. Released on May 24, 1989, it was designed by Steven Spielberg and George Lucas to be the final chapter of the trilogy.

Release year: 1989 ·
Director: Steven Spielberg ·
Box office: $474 million worldwide ·
Rotten Tomatoes score: 88% ·
Runtime: 127 minutes

Five key numbers and facts about the film:

Was Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade supposed to be the final movie?

George Lucas and Steven Spielberg have both stated that Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade was conceived as the grand finale of the original trilogy. According to a DVD-era production feature on The Indy Experience (fan-dedicated archive), the idea was to end Indy’s story on a high note. In a 1989 interview, Lucas said, “I think three is a good number. We’ll stop there.”

“We really meant this to be the last one.”

— Steven Spielberg, DVD commentary (as cited by The Indy Experience)

After the film’s release, the franchise went on a 19-year hiatus until the 2008 revival with Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. The Rotten Tomatoes Editorial guide (viewing order feature) notes that the series was dormant until Lucas and Spielberg decided to continue with a fourth film. Lucas later explained that the allure of a new story and the financial success of the trilogy convinced them to revisit the character.

The implication: the film was designed as a capstone, but the series’ commercial and cultural weight made a revival inevitable.

What is considered the best Indiana Jones movie?

When ranked by critical consensus, the franchise shows a clear arc: the original trilogy scored above 70%, while later entries fell below 70%.

All scores sourced from Rotten Tomatoes Editorial (official ordering guide). The Last Crusade ties with Raiders as the most beloved among fans, often cited for its blend of humor, character depth, and the father-son dynamic with Sean Connery.

The pattern: the higher-rated films are those that lean on character relationships and real-world historical settings, while the lower-rated ones rely more on CGI and convoluted plots.

Which actor famously turned down the role of Indiana Jones?

Harrison Ford became the face of Indiana Jones, but he wasn’t the first choice. According to production records, Tom Selleck was offered the role but had to decline because of his contractual commitment to the TV series Magnum, P.I.. The role then went to Ford, who had already worked with Spielberg on Raiders of the Lost Ark. Ford’s casting is documented on IMDb (film database for Raiders).

The trade-off: Selleck’s loss was Ford’s gain, and the rest is movie history.

What is the lowest rated Indiana Jones movie?

Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull holds the lowest Rotten Tomatoes score at 53%, according to Rotten Tomatoes Editorial (franchise guide). Dial of Destiny sits at 69%, while Temple of Doom received a mixed 77%. The reasons for the lower scores include over-reliance on CGI, a confusing plot involving aliens, and a lack of the original trilogy’s grounded feel.

• Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (2008) – 53% (Rotten Tomatoes)
• Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny (2023) – 69% (Rotten Tomatoes)
• Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984) – 77% (Rotten Tomatoes Editorial)

Audience scores follow a similar pattern. The gap between the original trilogy and the later films reflects a shift in filmmaking style and audience expectations.

The takeaway: the franchise’s weakest entries share a common trait—they prioritized spectacle over story.

Why did Indiana Jones 5 flop?

Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny (2023) underperformed at the box office, earning $384 million worldwide against a reported $295 million budget. The Rotten Tomatoes (film page) score of 69% indicates mixed critical reception. Several factors contributed: audience fatigue with legacy sequels, competition from other summer blockbusters, and a lukewarm response to de-aging technology used for Ford’s flashback scenes. A blog analysis (Them0vieBlog) noted that the film struggled to justify its existence after the original trilogy’s natural conclusion.

• Box office: $384 million worldwide (underperformed)
• Rotten Tomatoes: 69% (mixed)
• Budget: $295 million (high)

For Paramount and Disney, the lesson is that even a beloved character can’t overcome a weak creative premise. The film’s failure raises questions about the future of the franchise.

The consequence: if a sixth film is ever made, it will need a truly fresh angle to win back audiences burned by the last two entries.

What we know and what remains uncertain

Key quotes from the filmmakers

“I think three is a good number. We’ll stop there.”

— George Lucas, 1989 interview (as cited by The Indy Experience)

“We really meant this to be the last one.”

— Steven Spielberg, DVD commentary (as cited by The Indy Experience)

Both quotes underscore the original intention to end the franchise with The Last Crusade. The decision to continue was driven by commercial and creative reasons, but the original vision remains a key part of the film’s legacy.

Related reading: How to watch the Indiana Jones movies in order · Behind the scenes of the Indiana Jones DVD legend

For those interested in the production details, a closer look at the detailed cast and filming trivia reveals fascinating behind-the-scenes stories that complement the film’s enduring appeal.

Frequently asked questions

Related reading

• How to watch the Indiana Jones movies in order – Rotten Tomatoes Editorial
• Behind the scenes of the Indiana Jones DVD legend – The Indy Experience

The original trilogy remains the definitive Indiana Jones experience.