The Indiana Jones movies are ripe with grand characters, all seeking adventure. Indiana Jones has seen his grand share of adventure and met many interesting characters along the way. It’s no surprise that a franchise spanning five films will feature some great characters across these movies, with different locations, exciting plots, and unique mystical artifacts.
With Indiana Jones 5 set to leap to theatres in 2023, it’s the perfect time to look back on some of the best characters in the Indiana Jones series and to remain hopeful of the adventure that awaits in Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny. There are bound to be new characters in Indiana Jones 5, with plenty of excitement and thrills.
9 George "Mac" McHale
George “Mac” McHale made a quick first impression on audiences with his introduction to Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. He was a companion to Indiana Jones and a great friend during World War 2. However, Mac’s allegiances made him an untrustworthy ally, as he had ties to MI6, the Soviet Union, and Indiana himself.
George McHale assisted Indiana in the quest for the crystal skull, and his greed became the best of him, as he sought only riches, and forgot the friendships that he had formed during the war. It’s hard to not like Mac, and it’s equally disappointing when he decides to switch sides, again and again.
8 Harold Oxley
This archaeology professor had an obsession with the crystal skull that cost him his sanity. The skull was discovered by Oxley, which used his mind as a transference of thoughts, which seemed to have dumbed down Oxley’s intelligence. Although he may seem mad to many, Oxley’s actions are not without reason, and his great mind lurks beneath the possession.
Harold Oxley is also a great friend of Indiana Jones and a close friend of Marion Ravenwood. Once the crystal skull returned to its owner, Oxley retained his normality and was able to resume his normal life, and for once, get a shower.
7 Dr. Elsa Schneider
One of Indiana Jones’ most complex love interests is Doctor Elsa Schneider, an Austrian art historian with ties to the Nazis. Elsa was tasked with finding the Holy Grail so that Adolf Hitler could acquire immortality, and her quest saw her in allegiance with both Indiana and his father, Henry Jones Senior. Elsa had an obsession with the Holy Grail, one that would be fatal for all involved.
Elsa lost her life in demand to claim the true Holy Grail, a death that seemed to greatly shock and sadden Indiana, despite her ties and allegiances to the Nazi party. However, she was a complex and intelligent character, who battled between selfish desire and morality.
6 Marcus Brody
Marcus Brody is entirely charming, goofy, and a funny addition to the franchise. He’s a curator for several museums and seems to be the only professional that could end up getting lost in his museum. There’s always a joyous charisma to the screen when Marcus Brody appears, as he seems completely unaware of the world around him, but that does not discredit his intellect.
Brody is an archaeologist, historian, and lecturer, and when he joins Indiana Jones on the quest for the Holy Grail, he certainly bites off more than he can chew, and ends up being more of someone in the way than a great action hero, but it is all part of Brody’s charm.
5 Marion Ravenwood
As the most famed love interest of Indiana Jones, it’s no surprise that the two would reunite again. The two had a history before Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark. They had a brief relationship in the 1920s, and then again in 1936, as they paired up to fight the Nazis and discover the Ark of the Covenant. Marion has many talents and shows great bravery as she ventures with Indiana, ventures that later carry over in Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.
It turns out that Marion has a child, and it’s Indy’s. The two later marry, and it seems that the pair will finally get that happily ever after, with one of the rockiest relationships put to the silver screen. Marion Ravenwood is far more than her love for Indiana Jones.
4 Short Round
The companionship and duo of Short Round and Indiana Jones are nothing short of legendary. The pairing works so well, and as a sidekick to Indiana Jones, the two certainly get into some mischief in Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom. Short Round always refers to Indiana as “Dr. Jones,” which is an adorable and funny sentiment.
There’s not a lot of fear in the eyes of Short Round, who will happily assist in a slave uprising against oppressors, all while trying to keep Indiana's heart pure and free from magical corruption. Short Round was a great ally to Indy and made quite the impression as far as sidekicks go.
3 Sallah El-Kahir
As “the best digger in Egypt,” Sallah Mohammed Faisel el-Kahir was a great talent and a loyal friend to Indiana Jones. Sallah’s laugh bellows, and his adoration for punching Nazis and being loyal to his friends rings true. He has numerous fascinating connections and a thirst for adventure. Sallah is usually seen in his burly form and his iconic red fez hat that he wears.
Sallah returns for Indiana Jones 5, and the trailer for Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny shows Sallah and his desire for adventure, as the character tells Indiana how he misses waking up and wondering what the next adventure ahead will be. Perhaps those days are not long gone after all for Sallah.
2 Henry Walton Jones, Senior
Henry Jones and his son had a strained relationship, struggling with grief and a mutual desire for individual adventure. Henry Jones and his son would later reunite as Indiana ventured in search of the Holy Grail in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, in hopes of finding his father whom he had not seen in almost two decades. His quest was a success, and Henry Jones was found, albeit with that Sean Connery Scottish charm, and charisma.
Henry Jones is a great character, and his chemistry with Indiana Jones is impeccable. He can be serious and funny, making each scene with Henry Jones an utter treat, much to the frustration of Indy, and his son’s embarrassment. Henry Jones is extremely smart, as well as a man of God, who taught Indiana everything he knows.
1 Indiana Jones
As the protagonist of the series, it’s no surprise that Indiana Jones himself takes the top spot. Each adventure is only possible because of Indy, and the very character is only possible because of the intensity and charisma of Harrison Ford. Indiana Jones is a pop culture icon, a true character to stand the test of time. Indiana Jones has a signature outfit and weapon, along with a personality to match.
There have been many Indiana Jones adventures, in which the character has sought holy artifacts, all of which he believes ethically should belong in a museum. His intelligence and punching power is grand, and his global adventures have put him in many conflicts with different nefarious groups.