On June 12, 1981, "Raiders of the Lost Ark," directed by Steven Spielberg and starring Harrison Ford as the iconic character Indiana Jones, was released in theaters across the United States. The film was a massive success and became a cultural phenomenon, solidifying Indiana Jones as a beloved cinematic hero.

"Raiders of the Lost Ark" is set in 1936 and follows archaeologist and adventurer Indiana Jones as he races against Nazi forces to recover the legendary Ark of the Covenant, believed to contain the Ten Commandments. The film is known for its thrilling action sequences, including the famous boulder chase scene and the face-melting finale.

The movie was praised for its perfect blend of action, adventure, humor, and romance. Harrison Ford's portrayal of the charming and witty Indiana Jones, along with a strong supporting cast including Karen Allen as Marion Ravenwood and Paul Freeman as the villainous Belloq, contributed to the film's success.

"Raiders of the Lost Ark" was a box office smash, grossing over $389 million worldwide and becoming the highest-grossing film of 1981. It was nominated for eight Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and won four (Best Art Direction, Best Film Editing, Best Sound, and Best Visual Effects).

The film's success spawned a franchise, with three more Indiana Jones films released in the following years: "Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom" (1984), "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade" (1989), and "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull" (2008). A fifth installment, "Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny," is set to be released in 2023.

"Raiders of the Lost Ark" is widely regarded as one of the greatest films ever made and has had a lasting impact on popular culture, influencing countless action-adventure movies and cementing Indiana Jones as an iconic figure in cinema history.