Who directed Raiders of the Lost Ark?

Steven Spielberg directed Raiders of the Lost Ark.

The 1981 adventure film was developed by George Lucas and Philip Kaufman, with Lawrence Kasdan writing the screenplay. Lucas served as executive producer, while Spielberg directed the production and shaped its fast-moving action style, visual humor, and serial-inspired set pieces.

Raiders introduced Harrison Ford as archaeologist Indiana Jones, who races against Nazi agents seeking the Ark of the Covenant. Its production combined location filming, practical stunts, miniature work, and special effects rather than relying entirely on computer-generated imagery.

A common mix-up is crediting George Lucas as the director because he created the character and story concept. Lucas was central to the film’s creation, but Spielberg was the director. Spielberg later directed Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, and Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.