Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)

Why We Loved It: It was the beginning! Something completely fresh and new which not only changed the face of action/adventure movies, but also delivered one of the most iconic characters Hollywood had ever seen.

Highlight: Nothing will ever beat the "Melting Face" towards the end of the movie. A Special Effects triumph... plus, its pretty damn cool!

Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984)

U.S. Box Office Gross: $179,880,271
Worldwide Box Office Gross: $333,080,271
Estimated Budget: $28,000,000

Why We Loved It: While this may be regarded as the series' weak point, there is no escaping the enjoyable dark tone of the film. The special effects were kicked up a notch, the film was funnier - and slap me down if it doesn't have a good ol' fashioned 'heart ripping' in it!

Highlight: Its pretty safe to assume that Temple of Doom would be nothing if it weren't for the hilarious antics of Short Round (aka: The little Asian kid from Goonies).

Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989)

U.S. Box Office Gross: $197,171,806
Worldwide Box Office Gross: $474,171,806
Estimated Budget: $48,000,000

Why We Loved It: How could you not love teaming up two of the screens greatest heroes: Indiana Jones and James Bond? Sean Connery was a fine addition to what many thought was a fitting end to the series.

Highlight: A scene in which Indiana and his father are tied back-to-back in chairs as the room they are in begins to burst into flames, arguing the whole time. A perfect example of comedy and performer chemistry.

Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (2008)

U.S. Box Office Gross: $300,819,519 (and counting)
Worldwide Box Office Gross: $713,819,519 (and counting)
Estimated Budget: $185,000,000 +

Why We Loved It: While certainly the weakest of the series, this one still has to prove itself over the next decade. However, problems aside, it's still as good as it gets with plenty of action, laughs, and intrepid exploration. But you have to ask, is the enjoyment fueled solely by nostalgia?

Highlight: The chemistry between an aging Indiana and his new sidekick Mutt Williams (Shia LaBeouf). It's already been rumoured that a fifth instalment is on the way, with Mutt front and centre and Indy taking on a similar role to that of Connery in Last Crusade.

Exclusive Interview - Sean Patrick Flanery - Young Indiana Jones

The latest retro-return is that of the coveted franchise Indiana Jones. To celebrate, Paramount has released the cult series The Adventures of Young Indiana Jones on DVD. Web Wombat's own Sean Lynch caught up with its star, Sean Patrick Flanery.