What is the title of the first Indiana Jones film directed by Steven Spielberg?

Raiders of the Lost Ark is the first Indiana Jones film directed by Steven Spielberg.

Released in 1981, the film introduces Indiana Jones, an archaeologist and adventurer played by Harrison Ford. Jones races against Nazi agents to find the Ark of the Covenant, a biblical artifact believed to possess extraordinary power.

George Lucas conceived the character and story concept, while Lawrence Kasdan wrote the screenplay. Spielberg directed the film, combining serial-adventure cliffhangers with large-scale action, comic timing, and practical stunt work. The production established visual and storytelling conventions that shaped the later Indiana Jones series.

Although it is the first film released in the series, its title does not include the words “Indiana Jones.” The character’s name was added to the title in some later reissues and international marketing, and the film is now commonly referred to as Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark. It won five Academy Awards.