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Harrison Ford, Sean Connery, Denholm Elliott, Alison Doody, John Rhys-Davies ... see more see more... , River Phoenix , Julian Glover , Michael Byrne , Kevork Malikyan , Robert Eddison , Richard Young , Alexei Sayle , Alex Hyde-White , Paul Maxwell , Vince Deadrick Jr. , Vernon Dobtcheff , Mrs. Glover , Martin Gordon , Bradley Gregg , Ted Grossman , J.J. Hardy , Jerry Harte , Frederick Jaeger , Stefan Kalipha , George Malpas , Marc Miles , Will Miles , Billy Mitchell , Jeff O'Haco , Pat Roach , Suzanne Roquette , Larry Sanders , Michael Sheard , Eugene Lipinski , Dave Murray , Paul Humpoletz , Nina Almond , Tom Branch , Graeme Crowther , Julie Eccles , Luke Hanson , Tim Hiser , Chris Jenkinson , Peter Pacey , Nicolas Scott , Louis Sheldon , Maggie Cartier , Judy Taylor , Mike Fenton

The third installment in the widely beloved Spielberg/Lucas Indiana Jones saga begins with an introduction to a younger Indy (played by the late River Phoenix), who, through a fast-paced prologue, giv... read more read more...es the audience insight into the roots of his taste for adventure, fear of snakes, and dogged determination to take historical artifacts out of the hands of bad guys and into the museums in which they belong. A grown-up Indy (Harrison Ford) reveals himself shortly afterward in a familiar classroom scene, teaching archeology to a disproportionate number of starry-eyed female college students in 1938. Once again, however, Mr. Jones is drawn away from his day job after an art collector (Julian Glover) approaches him with a proposition to find the much sought after Holy Grail. Circumstances reveal that there was another avid archeologist in search of the famed cup -- Indiana Jones' father, Dr. Henry Jones (Sean Connery) -- who had recently disappeared during his efforts. The junior and senior members of the Jones family find themselves in a series of tough situations in locales ranging from Venice to the most treacherous spots in the Middle East. Complicating the situation further is the presence of Elsa (Alison Doody), a beautiful and intelligent woman with one fatal flaw: she's an undercover Nazi agent. The search for the grail is a dangerous quest, and its discovery may prove fatal to those who seek it for personal gain. Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade earned a then record-breaking $50 million in its first week of release. ~ Tracie Cooper, Rovi

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91% liked it

689,059 ratings

Critics

89% liked it

55 critics

PG-13, 2 hr. 6 min.

Directed by: Steven Spielberg

Release Date: May 24, 1989

Keywords: action, adventure

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DVD Release Date: October 21, 2003

Stats: 32,747 reviews

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Flixster Reviews (32,747)


  • March 27, 2012
    Very rarily does a sequel match the greatness of the original, but with "Indiana Jones and The Last Crusade" it all shines just as brightly. There's nothing I don't love about this stellar adventure gem, that tells us more of Indy's backstory and invites us to some of the key ev... read moreents that made him what he is. In the heart of the film, we also have the strained and intricate relationship between Indiana and his father Henry (played by a wonderful Sean Connery), that adds a bit of family drama to the plot and makes it perhaps the most emotionally powerful in the whole series. That scene towards the end where they rescue each other from certain death, is two incredibly touching moments, that I regard as among the finest in all of Hollywood's long history. The hilarious interplay between Ford and Connery gives it quite a humorous touch as well, with some of the most memorable lines of dialogue ever written for cinema. Nowadays, we'd be lucky to even get one such piece of extraordinary wit. The only thing in this film that can be considered a flaw is the awfully dated blue-screen effects. Easily neglectable, however, as you're having too much fun to be bothered by such trifles. Because in all other regards, this is pure adventurous perfection. A phenomenally entertaining entry, in a trilogy that never withers, but just gets better and more valuable as time trudges on (and yes, I'm saying "trilogy", because I refuse to acknowledge the fourth film as part of the franchise). Simply put, it's Spielberg at his very best and a masterpiece of which qualities I doubt will ever be re-created. Now, if only it could have ended here, with Indy and his friends riding off into the sunset. Then I could have slept really well at night, knowing there would never be any aliens to drop a deuce upon my childhood memories. But alas, the fridge was nuked nevertheless.
  • March 10, 2012
    This is the definition of a good blockbuster flick.
  • March 5, 2012
    And here ends the original trilogy. Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade was a bit of a return to the series' roots, which involved seeing Jones' day job as a professor, bringing back John Rhys-Davies & Denholm Elliott and being a little bit more light-hearted than the previous ent... read morery. This is overall the best sequel, in my opinion. It's also great to see Indiana Jones' backstory expanded a bit, and bring his father in on things. Sean Connery gives one of his best performances in this film, and his role as Indy's father is totally believable. River Phoenix also does a great job of channeling Harrison Ford during the opening moments when he plays Indy as a teenager. This is also a much more fun and enjoyable film than the last. It's less focused on the supernatural and more about the spiritual, which is part of why it was successful... I think so, anyways. This would be the last really good Indiana Jones movie, and perhaps it should have stayed that way. Although you may think I'd just plain hate the next film, you may be a little surprised by my opinion of it.
  • fb729949618
    October 3, 2011
    fb729949618
    If you asked me which of the three is my favorite, I would probably have to say this one. I really liked how Jesus Christ and The Holy Grail were incorporated into the treasure hunt in this film. The action was non stop and the movie never lost its originality or identity for a s... read moreecond. Aside from the new 4th Indy film which I have yet to see, this was an amazing way to end a franchise......it couldn't have been better.
  • August 14, 2011
    I must say sorry to Steven Spielberg before, because IMHO this one is the weakest Indiana Jones movie if it's compared to the first two movie.. It's true that he hire Sean Connery and River Phoenix in this movie, but that doesn't help because the story is a little predictable, es... read morepecially about Dr. Schneider true identity.. And some scenes that supposes to be funny didn't make me laugh, while the ending just questioning me : Is Steven Spielberg trying to make a joke with making Indiana Jones to live forever?? I just can't imagine to answer that question.. I will reviewed the fourth installment very soon, but compared to the first two movies, I must say this one is the weakest, even though it is still enjoyable to be watched..
  • July 12, 2011
    The ultimate thrill ride, this time not just with Indy, but also with the original James Bond.
  • June 17, 2011
    This third installment in the Indiana Jones saga still stands as the best. Starting with a flashback in the beginning featuring River Phoenix, we delve a little deeper into the world of Indiana Jones. Adding to the usual formula of Nazis, artifacts, and that stylish whip, we have... read more the intoxicating presence of Sir Sean Connery, one of his best roles to date, a femme fatale that double crosses anyone in her way, and the temptation of something as forbidden and mythological as the Holy Grail. Spielberg and Lucas pulled out all the stops for this film as retribution for the previous film, and this was supposed to be the last and greatest of the trilogy. It still stands as a testament to the fortitude of movie making magic, and the intellect and creativity it takes to make an original film.
  • June 16, 2011
    I enjoyed this film, much better than Temple of Doom. Brings us back to a great plot, cool puzzles, and great mysteries. It had well done action and effects and was probably the best sequel besides the fourth. Such a wonderful movie.
  • May 7, 2011
    Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade is the third entry of the franchise, and is by far one of the most thrilling, exhilarating films of the series. Also it's one of my personal favorite films. The film has one terrific cast of actors, and incredible plot, non stop thrills and acti... read moreon. Indiana Jones is on the search of the Holy Grail after his father goes missing, only to discover he is held hostage by the Nazis and now must race against the Nazis to find it. Sean Connery stars along side Harrison Ford as the senior Jones, and he is perfect in his role, humourous and smart. This is one of my favorite Connery performances and he is a wise choice to play Indy's father. The Last Crusade is a terrific third sequel, and usually the third film in a trilogy sucks, but in the case of The Last Crusade its one of the best third entries in a trilogy ever. This was a trilogy until Crystal Skull in 2008. The Last Crusade is a non stop action film that provides great fun for the viewer. The story, acting and directing are top notch, and it's simply a brilliant film. The Last Crusade is one of the best Indiana Jones adventures. I personally think that The Last Crusade is the most epic of all the Indiana Jones films and of all of them, it's my favorite because it offers a highly interesting story, and top notch thrills that I feel is some of the best the series has to offer. A must see favorite. Just when you thought a third film in a franchise gets tired, formulaic and lacks substance, The Last Crusade delivers an exciting adventure that everyone will enjoy.
  • March 31, 2011
    The third in the series offers much of the same, but throws in Connery as Indy's dad. This movie is a lot funnier than the other two. I really like it, it's not as good as the others, but it was good.

Critic Reviews


James Berardinelli
June 10, 2008
James Berardinelli, ReelViews

Captures some of the sense of fun that infused the first movie while using the addition of Sean Connery to up the comedic ante and provide a father/son dynamic. Full Review

Variety Staff
May 5, 2008
Variety Staff, Variety

What was conceived as a child's dream of a Saturday matinee serial has evolved into a moving excursion into religious myth. Full Review

Jonathan Rosenbaum
May 5, 2008
Jonathan Rosenbaum, Chicago Reader

The fast pace and force-fed wisecracks are as seamless as ever, but rarely has audience laughter sounded as hollow. Full Review

Caryn James
May 20, 2003
Caryn James, New York Times

Of the three Jones films, The Last Crusade may well become the sentimental favorite, the Indiana to end them all. Full Review

Desson Thomson
January 1, 2000
Desson Thomson, Washington Post

You want Adventure? Thrills? How about Rats? Full Review

Hal Hinson
January 1, 2000
Hal Hinson, Washington Post

The final section, in which Indy must claim the Grail and save his father's life, is imbued with a turgid, pop-mystical tone. Full Review

Roger Ebert
January 1, 2000
Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times

As I watched it, I felt a real delight, because recent Hollywood escapist movies have become too jaded and cynical, and they have lost the feeling that you can stumble over astounding adventures just ... Full Review

Randy White
January 2, 2011
Randy White, Common Sense Media

Thrilling third Indy actioner hunts for the grail. Full Review

Brian Orndorf
August 26, 2009
Brian Orndorf, BrianOrndorf.com

Last Crusade is pure kicks, and I would never fault this spunky blast of quips and near-misses for trying to vanilla its way back into the hearts of millions. Full Review

Scott Nash
October 18, 2008
Scott Nash, Three Movie Buffs

It shows us Indy's origin and even ends with him riding off into the sunset after completing the ultimate quest of finding the Holy Grail. I mean how do you top that? Full Review

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Facts


    • Sallah: What does it always mean, with this 'Junior'?
    • Dr. Henry Jones: That's his name, 'Henry Jones Junior'.
    • Indiana Jones: I like 'Indiana'.
    • Indiana Jones: We named the dog 'Indiana'.
    • Marcus Brody: May we go home now, please?
    • Sallah: The Dog? You are named after the Dog? [he then laughs]
    • Indiana Jones: Got a lot of fun memories with that dog.
    • Young Officer at Castle: If you are the Scottish lord, then I AM MICKEY MOUSE!
    • Dr. Henry Jones: They were trying to kill us!
    • Indiana Jones: I know, Dad!
    • Dr. Henry Jones: This is a new experience for me.
    • Indiana Jones: Happens to me all the time.
    • Dr. Henry Jones: When we get to Alexandretta, we will face 3 challenges; First: 'The Breath of God' - Only the penitent man will Pass. Second: 'The Word of God' - Only in the footsteps of God will he proceed. Third: 'The Path of God' - Only in the leap from the lion's head will he prove his worth.
    • Indiana Jones: [spotting an approaching fighter] 11 o'clock! Dad, 11 o'clock!
    • Dr. Henry Jones: [looking at his watch] What happens at 11 o'clock?
    • Sultan: Rolls-Royce Phantom two. 4.3 litre, 30 horsepower, six cylinder engine, with Stromberg downdraft carburetor, can go from zero to 100 kilometres an hour in 12.5 seconds. And I even like the color.

Indiana Jones and... : Watch Free on TV


Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade Trivia

Indiana Jones and the Last Crusad... Trivia


  • In which Indiana Jones movie does Indiana Jones search for the holy grail?  Answer »
  • In which movie did Harrison Ford play an archeaologist in search of the Holy Grail?  Answer »
  • in which indiana jones ..harrison ford must find the holy grail?  Answer »
  • Which Indy Jones movie had Sean Connery as Indy Jones father  Answer »

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