Raiders is a perfect film, IMO.

I say that in the context of what the movie is: an action movie that doesn't take itself too seriously. Everyone forgets that even though Spielberg/Lucas took the idea from the old serials they grew up with, nobody was doing this at that time.

Now there are so many knockoffs they many take Raiders for granted, the same way there are so many knockoffs to Jaws, the same way there are knockoffs to Diehard. All these movies were unique at the time, and that is why they stand the test of time so well.

I love Raiders because the movie is like Star Wars, it has a combo of an interesting story, a great good guy to root for, great action, good chemistry with the cast, and touches of humor that keep it from taking itself too seriously. My favorite part is where Indy goes after the Arc on Horseback and is asked what his plan is, and he turns and says, "I don't know, I'm making this up as I go!" The other Indy movies don't have that, they lack that freshness, they are fun, but just knockoffs to the original.