The Must-Have Indiana Jones Imitation Films from the 1980s

      There’s something reminiscent as we explore a collection of notable Indiana Jones imitation films from the 1980s…

      In the film industry, if a concept proves successful, studios generally believe it can succeed again. Die Hard, for instance, not only led to four sequels but also inspired countless imitations. The same can be said for titles like Mad Max, Conan the Barbarian, Jaws, The Terminator, Alien, Star Wars, and several others.

      Interestingly, many of the films that sparked these knock-offs (sometimes quite good ones) during the blockbuster era and home video market weren’t especially original either. Star Wars wasn’t the first space saga; it simply emerged after the genre had experienced a downturn and, of course, it fundamentally altered the landscape of cinema. On that note, we have Indiana Jones, a tribute by George Lucas and Steven Spielberg to the pulp serials of the 1930s through to the adventure B-movies of the 1950s.

      Like many major hits of its time, Raiders of the Lost Ark wasn’t just a success; it was a monumental success. It sustained its popularity throughout its theatrical run, even when competing against Superman II, which was expected to dominate that season.

      This inevitably led to sequels, and right from the major success of Raiders of the Lost Ark, the action-adventure film format inspired by B-movies became a staple in cinemas and the home video market. In the ‘80s alone, they were abundant. Here are ten essential Indiana Jones clones from that decade…

      **Magic Crystal**

      This Hong Kong action-comedy featuring Andy Lau, Cynthia Rothrock, and the late Richard Norton is a delightfully cheesy experience. Its relevance stems from its plot revolving around a hunt for an alien crystal that strikingly aligns with Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, making it feel like an Indiana Jones adventure. Hong Kong police, Russian gangsters, and of course, Cynthia Rothrock, pursue a mystical stone (of alien origin) that grants people unusual powers. This stone needs to be reunited with an Alien in stasis, hoping to return home. It showcases some beautiful Greek locations where Lau, Rothrock, and Norton engage in entertaining fight scenes, all executed with director Wong Jing’s characteristic high-energy, dynamic style.

      **The Golden Child**

      Magic Crystal shares some connections with Eddie Murphy’s (initially dismissed) adventure film, The Golden Child, which is actually quite enjoyable. Imagine the guy from 48 Hours and Beverly Hills Cop accidentally stepping into the role of an Indiana Jones-like character. Nowadays, such goofy adventures featuring unlikely heroes are quite common, leading to a re-evaluation of this film.

      Murphy stars alongside Charles Dance and the unforgettable James Hong. The film features plenty of imaginative set pieces and visually striking locations, with Murphy’s awkwardness adding a unique touch. He explores underground tombs laden with traps, much like Indy often does.

      **The Goonies**

      A defining aspect of Indiana Jones films is the pursuit of maps leading to buried treasure and artifacts. Celebrating its 40th anniversary this year while retaining its vibrant sense of fun, The Goonies follows a group of small-town kids (threatened by developers) on a treasure hunt for One-Eyed Willy’s lost ship filled with riches, all while being pursued by clueless yet ruthless criminals.

      The young cast includes Sean Astin, Corey Feldman, Josh Brolin, and Ke Huy Quan as Data, who also plays a role in the Jones legacy, having portrayed Short Round in Temple of Doom the preceding year. It features several Indy hallmarks, such as navigating underground caves, confronting deadly traps, and solving puzzles in a race against time to outsmart the villains. It's incredibly entertaining, and upon rewatching, I realize that Jeff Cohen as Chunk truly steals the show. He gives it his all.

      **River of Death**

      Emerging a few years after Cannon's peak under Golan and Globus, River of Death maintained the idea that Michael Dudikoff could be a poster boy movie star. To his credit, Dudikoff had the appearance, charisma, and physical prowess for stardom, but he struggled to replicate the box office success of American Ninja (ironically, not showcasing his best).

      Based on an Alistair MacLean novel, River of Death draws more heavily from Indiana Jones as an adventurer confronts a post-war Nazi threat. The supporting cast includes Robert Vaughan, Donald Pleasance, and Herbert Lom, with Dudikoff performing well (narration aside). Like many Cannon films, it presents a curious contrast, simultaneously feeling underdeveloped and lacking funds while also showcasing impressive effects and skilled technicians, especially cinematographer Avraham Karpick, who gives it a polished look (enhanced by its recent Blu-ray restoration). Though it meanders like the river in its Amazonian setting, it remains fairly underrated for a Dudikoff